Gary Lee Schoonover, 68, of New Tazewell, TN, passed away Monday, September 22, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was born in Benham, KY on June 11, 1957, to the late Bronson and June Huff Schoonover. He was proud to serve his communities as a volunteer firefighter and as a member of the Harlan County Rescue Squad, where he found great purpose in helping others. A true biker at heart, he loved his Harley Davidsons and shared many miles of friendship and freedom as a 50 plus year member of the H.O.G. He found joy in simple pleasures, from hunting and collecting guns to shopping along the shoreline and adventuring as a roadside connoisseur. Gary was a man of strong will and independence, who loved his family, stood by his beliefs, and gave his all as a dedicated, hard-working man.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Bronson and June Huff Schoonover.

Gary leaves to mourn his passing his wife, Ellen Howard Schoonover of New Tazewell; children, Gary Wayne, Shelley and Kelley Schoonover, all of Michigan; Courtney Schoonover and husband, Zachary Teshon, of Harlan; Breanna Schoonover of Florida; Curtis Schoonover of New Tazewell; Shawn Pace and wife, Tracey, of Evarts; Matthew Pace and wife, Beth, of Evarts; Ashley Pace of Evarts; a sister, Kathy Mullendore and husband, Mike, of Michigan; grandchildren, Ryan and Brandon Schoonover; Julia Cvengros and husband, David; Natalie Little and husband, Chris; Brook and Amber Parker; Charlotte Teshon; Trevor, Braxton, Mikey, and Kylie Cloud; Desiree, Shaylee, Brooke, and Maddox Pace; Nathan and Brayln Pace; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Visitation will be at the Tri City Funeral Home on Wednesday from 5 to 8 pm. His funeral service will be Thursday, September 25, 2025, at 1 pm at Tri City Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Peaceful Acres Cemetery with family and friends serving as pallbearers.

Tri City Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Gary Schoonover.