Dr. Gary Dale Lemmons

Dr. Gary Dale Lemmons, age 77, passed away peacefully Sunday, October 18, 2026 after battling dementia for more than seven years. He was born in Tullahoma, TN to the late Rev. James W. and Geneva Matthews Lemmons.

Dr. Lemmons was educated in the Coffee County and Tullahoma City School Systems, graduating from high school in 1967. He furthered his education receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in history in 1971 and a Master of Arts in Education in 1976 from Middle Tennessee State University. Dr. Lemmons continued his higher education receiving the Doctorate of Education in educational administration from the University of Georgia in 1985, and completed postdoctoral studies at Georgia State University, Kansas State University, and Harvard University.

When he moved to Georgia in 1974, he taught language arts and social studies at Fairmount High School. In his 25-year tenure in Gordon County, he served as chairman of the Gordon County Schools Department of Social Sciences, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, and was the first Assistant Principal of Gordon Central High School. Dr. Lemmons was a certified Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Instructor-Trainer and was a member of the Adjunct Faculty of the West Georgia School of Education, and an Adjunct Professor of Education at Piedmont College. He was a twice past President of the Gordon County-Calhoun Association of Educators and was a member of numerous professional societies and associations including: the Georgia Association of Educators, the National Education Association, the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, the Georgia Association of Secondary School Principals, and the Georgia Association of Educational Leaders, specifically, for the City of Calhoun and Gordon County. Dr. Lemmons served in various capacities including Secretary of the Gordon County Historical Society.

Dr. Lemmons touched and shaped the lives and educational careers of hundreds, if not thousands, of students and teachers over the many years in his service to education. His life was devoted to education, social justice, community service, family, and faith. His philanthropic efforts were immeasurable and had a lasting impact.

Dr. Lemmons was a member of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry where he is a Thirty-Third Degree Member (In Grand Honors), a member and Past Master of Morning Star Lodge #349, in Fairmount, GA, and a dual member of Oothcaloga Lodge #154, in Calhoun, GA, and Resaca Lodge #724. He was a Past High Priest of Kellogg Chapter No. 61 Royal Arch Masons, a Past Most Illustrious Grand Master of Georgia Royal and Select Masters, a Past Eminent Commander of St. John's Commandery No. 19, Knights Templar, a recipient of the Knights Templar Cross of Honor and the Knights Commander of the Temple Award from Grand Encampment, a Grand Representative to the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of New South Wales, District Grand Deputy to the Grand High Priest, Director of the York Rite Education and Leadership Development program, a Grand Illustrious Master of the Grand Council of Georgia, Thrice Illustrious Master of the Order of the Silver Trowel of Georgia, and a Grand Representative to the Grand Council of Louisiana. He served the state of Georgia as the Grand Master of all Masons in Georgia and presented papers in the Grand Lodge of England. He was an active member of the Yaarab Shrine Club. Dr. Lemmons was also an active member of Eastern Star and Amaranth Masonic Organizations. He supported both the youth organizations; Rainbow Girls and Demolay Chapters in Georgia. He was extremely proud to lead and facilitate the Masonic Scholarship Committee.

Dr. Lemmons was tireless in his work and dedication to so many. In addition to being a scholar, professional educator, an experienced and proven leader, he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He was an active member of Farmville Methodist Church in Calhoun, GA where he led Bible study.

Dr. Lemmons is survived by his wife of 45 years, Debbie Parrish Lemmons; daughters, Charlene Baxley and her husband Walt and Valerie Lemmons-Townsend and her husband Charles; grandchildren, McClain Baxley and Mary Margaret Baxley; brother, Sam Lemmons and his wife Sarah; sister-in law, Sharon Reynolds and her husband Frank; brother-in-law, Tom Parrish and his wife Julie; and numerous nieces and nephews.

For those who wish, memorials may be made to the Masonic Children’s Home, Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital, or Shriner’s Children’s Hospital.

Visitation will be Tuesday, October 20, 2026 from 10:00am until 10:45am at Woodfin Memorial Chapel in Murfreesboro, TN. Burial will take place Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at 11:00am at Evergreen Cemetery in TN.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 8, 2026 at 2 PM from the Chapel of Thomas Funeral Home and the family will receive friends an hour prior to the services.

You may leave the family online condolences at www.thomasfuneralhomecalhoun.com

Thomas Funeral Home has proudly been entrusted with the local arrangements for Dr. Gary Dale Lemmons.