Gary "Big Gary" Vaughn Aldridge

“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” Proverbs 2:1 Mr. Gary Vaughn “Big Gary” Aldridge was lifted up on August 19, 2017 to his heavenly home. Gary was born on April 27, 1949 to S. E. “Sib” Aldridge, Sr. and Jane Vaughn Aldridge, both deceased. Gary followed in his Daddy’s footsteps & joined the U.S. Navy in October 1968 where he served as squad leader. While stationed in Adak, Alaska, he worked on the Alaskan Pipeline. After leaving the Navy, Gary worked in construction and on oil rigs until he found his true calling and became a Professional Bail Bond Runner. He provided bonding services to Alamance County for more than 30 years ending his career with Absolute Freedom Bail Bonds, LLC. Gary didn’t just write bonds, he offered advice and guidance to his clients. To many, he was a friend and a mentor. Gary made his acting debut on the MTV Music Awards in 1985 with Eddie Murphy at Radio City Music Hall. He was cast in the intro skit as a character in the music video “Money for Nothing” by Dire Straits. Gary is survived by his son; Senior Chief Petty Officer Sunny Williamson (Theresa) of the U.S. Navy, Key West, FL; granddaughter, Kelsey Williamson of Waikiki, Hawaii; sisters, Nancy A. Annon (Jim) of Kings Mountain, Tereasa A. Wood (Henry) and Allene A. Fonville (Wally) both of Graham; sister in-law, Nancy S. Aldridge of Snow Camp; an uncle, Herbert Smith; an aunt, Martha Adams both of Graham; 9 nieces & nephews & their families, as well as, 22 cousins & their families. In addition to his parents, Gary was predeceased by his brother S.E. “Buddy” Aldridge, Jr., his grandparents; Lewis Aldridge, Viola Stanfield Aldridge, John D. Vaughn, Gary Cates Vaughn Leonard & Arthur Leonard and 2 cousins. The family will receive family & friends on Friday, August 25, 2017 at McClure Funeral Home in Graham from 5-8 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 26, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. in the McClure Funeral Home Chapel also in Graham. At other times, the family will be at the home of Henry & Tereasa Wood at 3254 S NC Hwy 87, Graham. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Naval Special Warfare Foundation, https://www.navysealfoundation.org/donate/ or the Buddy Aldridge Welding Scholarship at Alamance Community College, c/o The ACC Foundation, P. O. Box 8000, Graham, NC 27253. Condolences may be offered at www.mcclurefuneralservice.net