Gary Lee Frees passed away on February 3, 2013 in Valdosta, Georgia at the age of 69.

Gary was born on October 12, 1943 in Randolph Field, Texas.  It appears that Gary arrived in Napa just in time to make the Commencement List, as no other information on his school life is available. 

Gary was an Air Traffic Controller for the U.S. Air Force, and was the author of many procedures and programs still in use on airfields around the world.  After retiring from the Air Force as a Technical Sergeant (TSgt), Gary began a second career as a Police Officer for the City of Valdosta Police Department.  He was a Baptist by faith, and a resident of Lakeland, Georgia. 

Survivors include daughters Sherry Hall and Christie Smith, sons Matt Frees and Mitchell Frees, brother Larry Frees (Napa High Class of 1962), 14 grandchildren, and many extended family members and friends.

Memorial services for Gary were held on February 6, 2013 in the Chapel of Music Funeral Services in Lakeland.

Technical Sergeant (TSgt) is the 6th enlisted rank (pay grade E-6) in the U.S. Air Force.  It is just above Staff Sergeant and below Master Sergeant.  Within the Air Force enlisted ranks, promotion to TSgt has historically been the second-most difficult rank to achieve (only to the rank of Senior Master Sergeant), and the most difficult promotion that most career Air Force members achieve.