Garry Fakes Dolin's Obituary
Garry Fakes Dolin, age 89, of Mount Dora, Florida, passed away peacefully at home on September 16, 2025. He was born on July 21, 1936, in Wharton, West Virginia, to the late Fakes and Anne Dolin.
Garry is survived by his loving wife, Billie Hinz Dolin, and their three children: Garry Dolin Jr., Susan (Ray) Hebert, and Alisia Wegner. He was a proud grandfather to Lauren (Stephen) Wiley, Megan Dolin, Dolin Wegner, and Sydney Wegner, and a beloved great-grandfather to Abby Hebert, Carson Wiley, and Haley Wiley. He is also survived by his sister, Pat Ingwersen. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Jim Dolin.
Garry honorably served his country in the United States Air Force from 1954 to 1958, and in the United States Army from 1961 to 1979. A lifelong cavalryman, he served exclusively in cavalry combat units, including two tours in Vietnam, Commanded the 7/17 Air Cavalry Attack Helicopter Squadron, and was awarded the U.S. Army Aviation Unit of the Year in 1977. He was a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and the Air War College
His distinguished military career was marked by numerous awards and decorations, including the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Bronze Star with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal with Valor Device and 48 Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Army Commendation Medal.
Beyond his military service, Garry had a deep love for his Lord and Savior. He led a weekly prayer meeting with his golf friends at the Country Club of Mount Dora for many years, served faithfully on the Vision Team at Silver Lake Community Church, and was an active participant in many church ministries and functions.
A gathering with a viewing will take place on Sunday, September 21, 2025 at Steverson, Hamlin & Hilbish Funeral Home in Tavares, FL, from 2:00PM - 3:00PM, with a service to follow at 3:00PM with military honors. Garry will be laid to rest at Florida National Cemetery in a private family ceremony. Online condolences can be left at https://www.steversonhamlinhilbish.com
Memorial contributions may be made in Garry’s honor to Silver Lake Community Church in Leesburg.
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