Gary Douglas Elby, also known as “Gatz”, Dad, Pop-Pop and the Denzel of Harrisburg. Gary was born in Harrisburg, PA welcomed by his parents, Marian and Melvin Elby, Jr.

He was brought home to the 1400 block of S. 14th St., southside Harrisburg, where he gained a lot of his love for all sports and his courageous character. God blessed Gary with three loving siblings, big brother Brian Elby, little sister Lesli Elby and Latoya Newman. From playing pickup football to riding around on his dirt bike, looking for more fun and the next memory, there were no boundaries for him.

Since Gary was a small child, he had God in his heart. He was baptized at Goodwin Memorial Baptist Church, and later ushered at that same church.

Gary completed and received his high school diploma from Central Dauphin East High School. He moved to Hershey with his grandmother, best friend and defense attorney Vivienne P. Elby, a.k.a. BIBS. Where he could do no wrong in her eyes. He was raised there with his cousins not only did he get quality time with his family visit from his uncles and aunts when in Hershey he was also able to create a stable income for him and his growing family.

After high school, he furthered his studies in histology where he became certified and later received his HVAC certification. Gary’s first certification was histology, the study of tissue, which sparked a big interest in Gary. He expressed his interest at Hershey Medical Center where he met his one and only wife, Lynette L. Elby. They embraced their love on September 6, 1991.

Gary’s name, looks and great character will live on through his 7 kids, Julian Childs, Brandon Harvey, Barrett Jeffries, Jasmine Childs (his only daughter) Andrew Elby, Josh Elby and LaRe Grinaway (his stepdaughter); his siblings blessed him with a nephew and nieces. Gary taught all his children, 12 grandchildren and anyone in between how to fish. When Gary wasn’t fishing, he was teaching someone how to, passing down what he learned from his Spraglin family.

He also enjoyed all genres of music, traveling, all sports, food, and most of all spending quality time with his family and friends. He has a special place in his heart for his dogs. Gary’s love went further than just human affection, he loves his animals also.

Gary was an undimmable light that was always just a phone call away. A true jack of all trades. Gary’s last days he was employed at his most favorite/enjoyable job since histology and HVAC at The Hollywood Casino and Penn National Race Track, as a horse clocker.

Gary‘s health struggles ended peacefully at home Wednesday, January 17, 2024 for his teachings and name will live on in all of our hearts forever as his spirit flows as peacefully as the Yellow Breeches.

His life will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 27, 2024 in the Sanctuary of Goodwin Memorial Baptist Church, 2447 Green Street, Harrisburg.