Gary F Drackett

Retired Army Veteran Ltc. Gary Ferris Drackett, beloved Father, Grandfather, Brother and friend passed away quietly in his sleep on December 25th, 2024 at the age of 79 years old.

He was born in Elizabeth City, Virginia on March 25th, 1945 to parents Retired Army Colonel Ferris J. and Barbara B. Drackett. The eldest of three siblings Gary traveled the world, eventually going to college in Germany before joining the Army as an aviator on November 4th, 1966.

Gary met and married the love of his life, Judith C. Drackett (d. 2015) while stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia in 1969.

Ltc. Gary Drackett served as a pilot in 2 tours in Viet Nam and later worked in the Strategic Command Center during the first Gulf War. He was a highly decorated aviation officer, earning the Purple Heart while in his first tour in Viet Nam. He retired from the Army on November 30th, 1991 and then went to work for the State of Florida.

He was a beloved member of the 68th Assault Helicopter Company reunion group that served to bring together the members of the company that flew UH-1 Hueys during Viet Nam.

Gary’s family lovingly remembered that he was a critic of all airplane flights he took, jokingly labeling the pilots as Army, Navy, or Air Force based on the take-off and landing of the flight.

In recent years, Gary was known for wishing Happy Birthday to friends and family in as many languages as he could learn; His favorite being Hawaiian. On his last night on earth, he ended many conversations with Mele Kalikimaka.

Gary finally retired with his wife Judi in 2008 to Wesley Chapel, Florida. He loved helping his neighbors, riding his trike, sailing boats, and volunteering at this church, Bay Hope Church in Lutz, Florida.

Gary leaves behind a loving family who will cherish his memory including his daughter Michelle Drackett, son Bryan Drackett, Daughter-in-law Donna Drackett, and Son-in-law Dave Hendershot, along with grandchildren Mac and Mikayla Cotton and Jacob and Cole Drackett.