Gary Wayne Brownley, 85, of Port Haywood, Va., passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023, in Riverside Regional Medical Center.

Gary graduated from Mathews High School in 1956, and worked with his father in the family construction business before becoming the proprietor of The Colonial Wood Shop for 56 years, where he was a master woodworker specializing in cabinetry and antique furniture reproduction. He loved getting to know his customers and talking to friends who visited his shop.

He was co-owner of II Bays, Ltd., where he and his brother built to-scale models of the New Point Lighthouse, and he and Steve were instrumental in getting the light back in New Point Lighthouse.

Gary served in the 149th Virginia Air National Guard, and was on active duty during the Berlin Crisis. Throughout the years he enjoyed playing the guitar, bass, and fiddle with Harvey Price and The Dixie Playboys, The Swinging Strings, and in later years, The Garage Band.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marshall and Leona Brownley, and brother, Steve.

Survivors include longtime, faithful, caring, and loving companion, Olive Faye Hutchinson; niece, Katrina Ottinger (Jason); great-niece, Haven; sister-in-law, Violet Brownley, and cousin, Mildred Stillman.

Visitation was held at Faulkner Funeral Homes, Foster-Faulkner Chapel, Mathews, Virginia, on Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023, from 1-2:30 p.m.

A graveside service was held at St. Paul Annex, Susan, Virginia, at 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Chesapeake Bay Circle of The King’s Daughters and Sons, c/o Debbie Hancock, P.O. Box 157, Foster, Va. 23056.