Morris - MORRIS - Gary Lee Johnson, 78, of Morris, passed away on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024, at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown.

Gary was born on March 7, 1945, in Oneonta, the son of the late Lawrence and Emma (Palmer) Johnson.

He grew up in Garrattsville and lived the rest of his life in Morris.

On July 18, 2005, Gary married Ruthann (Perri) Johnson in the United Methodist Church of Morris.

Gary graduated from Morris Central School in 1963 and attended Cobleskill Ag & Tech on a generous scholarship from Dr. Naylor. He graduated with a degree in animal husbandry and became a lab tech in the parasitology department at Norwich Pharmaceuticals. He was then employed by the USPS as a rural carrier in Morris and Gilbertsville, retiring after more than 25 years of service.

Gary was a lifelong and very active member of the greater Morris community. He was the longest active member of the Morris Rotary Club having served as president several times and was elected a Paul Harris Fellow. In addition, he was a faithful member of the Morris United Methodist Church and a Hillington Cemetery Association board member. In his younger years, he was an avid bowler with the New Berlin Bowling League and a member of the Morris Fire Department. For many years he was the owner of the Morris Coin Laundry and Arctic Circle Ice Cream shop where his children and nephews shared the value of hard work as well as the benefits of sharing ("mistakes") with friends.

Gary was widely, and often with great humor, known as a collector of many things. A long-standing member of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, he was considered an expert in the field. He shared his interest with friends far and wide.

Later in his life he enjoyed adventures with his wife, Ruthann, tending to his home and property with utmost care and enjoyment, "working" at many auctions (i.e. adding to his collections), working/socializing at the Morris Tent Company and early morning sojourns with the Morris coffee shop crew. Gary will be remembered for his hard work ethic, humorous banter and loving his family unconditionally.

Gary is survived by his children, Monica (Dale) Johnson, David (Jennifer) Johnson, Michael (Emily) Johnson, Jessica (Scott) Eastman, Lindsay (Cory) Daniels and Jeffrey (Chen) Gilbert; grandchildren, Ashley, Shelby, Jacob, Mark, Dean, Owen, Remy, Ridge and Mason; great-granddaughter, Robin; and nephews, Scott (Carol) Sherwood and Brett (Jaime) Sherwood.

Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his beloved wife, Ruthann; sister, Kay Sherwood and her husband, Frederick Sherwood.

Family and friends are invited to visitation hours from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 12, at Johnston & Stanimer Funeral Home, 60 Broad St., Morris. His funeral service will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 13n at Morris United Methodist Church, 17 Church St., Morris, with Lay Minister Penny Harrington officiating. His burial will follow in Hillington Cemetery in Morris.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to the Morris Rotary Club, P.O. Box 414, Morris NY, 13808 or Susquehanna SPCA, 5082-5088 State Highway 28, Cooperstown NY, 13326.

Gary's family has entrusted his care to the Johnston & Stanimer Funeral Home in Morris. To watch his Tribute Video or to share an online condolence to his family, visit www.JohnstonFH.com.