Gary Lynn Ellinger

SFC Gary Lynn Ellinger, (RET), 83 of Hope Mills passed away Wednesday, June 17, 2026 in Cape Fear Valley Medical Center.

Gary was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on January 6, 1943, son to the late Donald George Ellinger and Mary Jane Sand Ellinger. Gary always called himself a Montana man where he lived many years, then Connecticut and then North Carolina. He was an honorable Military man of 20 years who earned the Bronze Star with Valor. He joined the United States Marines at 18, served 12 years as a Marine, then 8 years in the United States Army that included 3 tours in Vietnam.

SFC Ellinger proudest accomplishment was earning the Bronze Star with Valor but he also received the following awards and decorations for his honorable and faithful service: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Six Service Stars, Navy Commendation Medal with V Device, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Unit Commendation, Presidential Unit Citation, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Bronze Star Medal with V Device, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal (Second Award), Army Commendation Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon-1, USM Good Conduct Medal (Fourth Award), Combat Action Ribbon, Pistol Sharpshooters Badge and the Rifle Sharpshooters Badge.

In his earlier years, Gary enjoyed rock climbing, track, football, hockey, fishing, hunting, dancing and cooking with his sister. Along with his 20 military career he was also a talented Writer and Land Surveyor.

Gary is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth Ann Ellinger; sister, Suzanne Dubois and fiancé George; daughter, Christy; step daughters, Sue and Terri; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family members to include his long-time surveying friend, Jack Fields whom he loved as a son; and his loving sweet Maltese, Pearl.

Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers, James Albert Ellinger and Robert Donald Ellinger.

Visitation will be held 11:00 AM - 12:00 Noon Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at Balm in Gilead Christian Center, 3110 Doc Bennett Road, Fayetteville, NC 28306. Funeral Services will begin at 12:00 Noon with Pastor Vivian Rhone officiating.

Burial with Full Military Honors will follow in Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery at 2:00 PM.

The family would like to thank pastor Vivian, his church family, paramedics, doctors, nurses, hospital staff, family and many friends. Your help, guidance, comfort, prayers and thoughts are sincerely appreciated.