William “Gary” Talbert, III

William Gary Talbert, III, passed away at Houston Medical Center on the morning of Saturday, April 13, 2024. He was 76 years old.

William, known to many as Gary or “Big Kat,” was born on March 27, 1948, in Newnan, Georgia, to the late William Gary Talbert, Jr., and Carolyn Ann Sheffield Talbert. He graduated from The Baylor School in 1966 and pursued further education. Proudly attending the University of Georgia for six years, and a proud member of Kappa Sigma, Gary graduated from the University of Georgia School of Pharmacy. Gary held a pharmacy license for over fifty years and was proud to be the top salesman for Abbott Lab.

Gary also had a remarkable intellect and a thirst for knowledge. He was an avid reader, particularly enjoying non-fiction books, and his inquisitive nature led him to acquire a wealth of information on topics ranging from medicine to classic rock bands. His sharp wit and sense of humor made him a joy to be around, and he was often the funniest person in the room.

A long-time resident of Central Georgia, Gary was a devoted member of Harvest Church. He was also a passionate sports fan, especially when it came to cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs, enthusiastically proclaiming, "GO DAWGS!" Additionally, Gary was an avid golfer and was a longtime member of the Houston Lake Country Club.

His legacy of knowledge, humor, and love for music will be cherished and deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.

Left to treasure his memory are his children, Melissa Stelson (Trevor) of Warner Robins, Billy Talbert (Amelia Bambam) of Longview, WA, and Molly Franklin (Allen) of Raleigh, North Carolina; grandchildren, Miles and Georgia Stelson, Cam Talbert, and Hannah, Haley and Aiden Franklin; brother, Skip Talbert (Dianne) of Centerville; nephew and niece, Alan Talbert of Tucson, AZ, and Carolyn Talbert of Atlanta; as well as a host of many other extended family members and friends.

A memorial gathering with Gary’s family and friends will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. A memorial service will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of McCullough Funeral Home. In honor of Gary, please wear your favorite UGA or band attire. Gary will be laid to rest privately.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests memorial donations be given in memory of William “Gary” Talbert, III to the University of Georgia – Karin Elizabeth Willis Scholarship; or to the Houston County High School Theatre Department C/O Houston County High School Theatre Boosters.

For friends unable to attend at this time, the service will be streamed live via the McCullough Funeral Home Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/mcculloughfuneralhome/live/.

Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family.  McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.