Gary Hord was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend whose life was filled with love, laughter, music, and cherished memories.

Gary retired from Alcoa, Aluminum Company of America and a member of the 25 year club with decades of dedicated service. He had a love for playing music and was known for his gift of storytelling. Whether sharing memories from years past, playing a familiar tune, or simply spending time with those he loved, Gary had a special way of bringing people together.

Gary was also proud of his family’s deep roots in East Tennessee. He was a direct descendant of John Oliver, one of the early settlers of Cades Cove, Tennessee. His family’s rich Appalachian heritage was a meaningful part of his history and legacy.

Above all, Gary’s greatest legacy lives on through the family he loved and the countless memories they will forever hold dear.

Gary is survived by his loving wife, Rhonda Hord; his children, Brandon and Norah Hord, Miranda and Chester Hodsden, Lance and Angel Hord, Alexis Hord, Brandon and Sarah Brewer and step-children Mellissa Matchette and Britney Hensley.

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Dakota and Callie Hord, Sierra Lowder “Hord”, Deontae Payne, Abigail Hodsden, Eden Hodsden, Jada Hodsden, Jason Hodsden, Gabriel Hodsden, Grace Hodsden, Reuben Hodsden, Hannah Hord, Dylan Hord, Baylee Gross, Keagan Yates, Kimber Denton, James Brewer, Jackson Brewer, and Kaylee Lee-Brewer; and his great-grandchildren, Norene and Samuel Lowder, And several nieces and nephews.

Gary was preceded in death by his father, Spence Harold Hord; his mother, Ruth Elizabeth Roberts; his brother, Harold Dennis Hord; his sister, Debra Lina Montooth; his son, Tony Brewer; his grandson, Caleb Elijah Hodsden; his nephew, Trent Hord; and the mother of his children, Diana Helton.

Gary will be remembered for the stories he shared, the music he played, and the love he gave so freely to those around him. Though he will be deeply missed, his memory will live on through the generations of family he leaves behind and the many lives he touched.

In honor of Gary’s lifelong love of music, the family will be accepting memorial donations through Tony’s Table to help provide a new guitar to a child. It is their hope that, through this gift, Gary’s passion for music will live on by inspiring a new generation to discover the same joy he found in playing.

Funeral services will be held at Laws Chapel Primitive Baptist Church on Friday, October 23, 2026. The service will be officiated by Brandon Hord and Chester Hodsden. The family will receive friends beginning at 6:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 7:00 p.m.