Gary Robert Patnaude

Gary Robert Patnaude, 69, of Albany, GA passed away August 9, 2016 at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital. The family will receive friends Friday from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Mathews Funeral Home.

Born in Albany, Gary has resided here most of his life. As a teen, he lived in St. Petersburg, Florida, where he first started his love and hobby of dirt track race car driving. He later moved back to Albany Ga., where he worked in the machine shop business, including Allstar International and Keenan's Machine Shop. He also owned his own business- Gary's Automotive for many years. He was well known around the dirt tracks of Albany Speedway, Cordele Raceway and Needmore Speedway, whether driving a race car (#26), flagging a race or teching the cars.

He never met a stranger. The statement most made of him "YOU ALWAYS KNOW WHERE YOU STAND WITH GARY" He will be remembered by the love he had of the racing sport. Well remembered by his grandchildren by PAPA CAN FIX ANYTHING. He was one of kind. He was a member of Pine Bluff Baptist Church, The Sportsman Club and a very proud member of The Grandparents Club of Baconton Community Charter School.

Survivors include his loving wife Bobbie Patnaude of Albany, GA, a daughter Michelle Patnaude Creech of Albany, GA, his faithful companion and ride along, Penny, brothers Keith (Dawn) Patnaude of Moultrie, GA, Ken (Linda) Patnaude of N.C., and Robert Patnaude of OR., sisters Darlene Patnaude of OK., and Judy (Gary) Patch of TX., four Grandchildren Dalton Herring of Sylvester, Jessica Harbison of Athens, GA, Lindsey Creech and Lawson Creech both of Albany, GA,. He was preceded in death by his son, Little Gary Patnaude.

In lieu of flowers those desiring may make memorials to the American Diabetes Association. www.diabetes.org/Donate