Gary Cornelius Scaife

Gary Cornelius Scaife was born September 7, 1955 in Stuttgart, Arkansas. He was the fifth out of thirteen children born to Curtis and Elsie Scaife. 

Affectionately known as GC, he attended Clarendon High School in Clarendon, Arkansas. There, he excelled in athletics as well as academically, and was elected vice president of his senior class and named “Mr. CHS.” Gary was a basketball hoop star with a nice jumper; he also played football. During his high school days at CHS, he met the love of his life, a cheerleader and clarinet player, Belera Fletcher. In 1973, he graduated from CHS and continued his education at Bell and Howell Technical Institute in Kansas City, Missouri. After some time, he transferred to Shorter College in Little Rock, Arkansas, where he played basketball for the college and received his Associate’s Degree in Business. Gary and Belera continued their love story and were joined in matrimony in 1981. And to this union, two children were born, Mortese and Reeva. They remained married for forty-two years until his departure.

GC was always a leader, but his talents and gift of gab really began to shine in his multifaceted career. He began his career in Little Rock, working for the State Department for Governor Bill Clinton. He then was employed by Kroger, where he worked his way up to a manager. After some time at Kroger, Gary worked for Pepsi-Co. After a big promotion, he ended his corporate career at Frito-Lay, where he later retired after twenty-three years of service. Gary always had the gift of seeing the bigger picture, and while he was excelling at his career in sales and marketing, he knew he wanted more for his family. Gary became an entrepreneur and started multiple businesses, such as a trucking company, lawn mowing company, a cleaning service with his wife, flipping cars, and his biggest success being real estate investing.       

GC gave his life to Christ at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Humble, Texas in 1992, where he served in the men’s ministry. He remained spiritual and devoted to read his Bible daily and live by the word of God. Gary continued to serve in the community for many years as a yearly giver for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and the Montgomery County Food Bank in Montgomery, Texas. Although he retired from playing basketball, his love of the game continued. He was a head coach for Spring-Klein Basketball league in Spring, Texas and many AAU teams, where he coached his daughter Reeva and taught many girls the fundamentals of basketball for over five years.

Gary always called himself a country boy and enjoyed many outdoor activities like fishing, tending to his horses and cows, gardening, and being out on the tractor. GC was selfless and shared his passions with his children, nieces, nephews, and anyone who was willing to learn.

GC was called home with the Lord on June 18, 2023 at his home in Magnolia, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents Curtis and Elsie Scaife of Clarendon, AR, son Jason Overbaugh of Kansas City, KS, and brother Larry Scaife of Carlisle, AR. 

Beautiful and loving memories of Gary shall forever be cherished by many, including his wife Belera Scaife of Magnolia, TX, son Mortese (Brandy) Scaife of Houston, TX, daughter Reeva Scaife of Magnolia, TX, and soon-to be granddaughter Baby Graycen Scaife. He also leaves behind siblings Frank (Charlene) Scaife of Memphis, TN, Margret Ann Scaife of Clarendon, AR, Ida Pearl Scaife of Phoenix, AZ, Ramona Henderson of Dallas, TX, Jennifer (Louie) Aguilar of Dallas, TX, Carnell Scaife of Dallas, TX, Brenda (Mark) Ellenburg of Spring, TX, Gail Gallagher of Spring, TX, Tracy (Angela) Scaife of Little Rock, AR, Michelle Scaife of Dallas, TX, and Rodney (Montrell) Scaife of Land O Lakes, FL, and a host of nieces and nephews that loved him dearly. 

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