Gary Dean "Rusty" Moates, 62, of Pensacola, FL died peacefully at home January 15, 2016.

Rusty is survived by his wife of 39 years, Margaret R. Moates; his daughters, Kimberly (Mike) Apongan of Pensacola, FL and Dawn (Dave) Orlosky of New Orleans, LA; a niece and nephew, Suzanne (Stephen) Davidson of Montgomery, AL and Donald Anthony (Tony and Alison) Brown of Nashville, TN. He is also survived by three granddaughters, two grandsons, two great nephews, three great nieces and a beloved pomeranian, J.D.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Everette and Pearl Moates of Sylacauga, AL and his sister, Patsy Moates Brown of Opelika, AL.

Rusty was born on August 18, 1953 in Sylacauga, AL. Following high school, in 1972, he joined the U.S. Navy and spent the next 21 years stationed in various locations throughout the world. During his career he served on the USS Howard W. Gilmore, the USS Independence, the USS Badger, the USS Coronado, and the USS Forrestal. He loved the navy and he loved teaching what he knew to the next generation. He also believed in giving credit where credit was due.

In 1976, he married the love of his life, Margaret, and together they raised two beautiful daughters. After a long naval career, including service in Operation Desert Storm, he retired in 1993 as a Damage Control Senior Chief. During his career he was recognized with many awards and commendations, including the Navy Commendation Medal with gold star, the National Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Navy Expeditionary Medal and the National Achievement Medal with gold star. Following his retirement in 1993, he began working at the Veterans Administration Clinic in Pensacola, FL, eventually retiring in 2011.
Rusty's favorite place was Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where he was stationed from 1985 through 1990. Here he took up scuba diving and he and his family made lifelong friendships. In addition to scuba diving, he enjoyed saltwater and freshwater fishing, woodworking, camping with his family, cooking on his green egg, a smooth drink, a good cigar and Alabama football.

The family would like to thank J.J. with Griswold Home Care and Julia with Amedisys Home Health for the care they provided to Rusty, throughout his illness as well as, Dr. Sumit Verma and his staff at Cardiology Consultants, Dr. Eldawy and his staff at Sacred Heart Hematology and Dr. Issa Ephtimios and his staff.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 (noon) to 1:00pm Friday, January 29, 2016 followed by a Memorial Service at 1pm at Harper Morris Memorial Chapel. Following the Memorial Service, a graveside committal service will be held at Barrancas National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial; DVLMF, 807 Maine St., S.W., Washington, DC 20024. http://www.avdlm.org/donate-online.