Gary Randall Ousley

Gary Randall Ousley, age 74, of Langley, Kentucky, husband of Bonnie Prater Ousley, passed away Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at the Knott County Health and Rehabilitation Center, Hindman, Kentucky. 

Gary (also known as by many as Randy) was born January 30, 1947 in Martin, Kentucky.  He was the son of late Herbert and Pauline May Ousley and the grandson of George and Louise Snoddy May, all of Langley.  As a young man, he attended the May Memorial United Methodist Church with his parents and was an avid boy scout.  As a teenager in the 60’s, he was an automobile enthusiast owning several Volkswagen Beetles and enjoyed the music of The Beach Boys and The Beatles.

Gary graduated in the class of 1965 from Maytown High School, attended Prestonsburg Community College, Morehead State University and completed his degree in Tool & Die from Mayo State Vocational School in Paintsville, Kentucky.

Gary held many positions throughout his life. All of which provided him with colorful stories he conveyed to his family and friends over the years. While attending Mayo, he worked as the night desk clerk at the Heart O’ Highlands Motel and went on to serve as restaurant and motel manager at the iconic Plantation Motel in Prestonsburg.  This led to an opportunity to work as Coal Lab Technician for many years at the National Mines Corporation in Wayland. 

After a decline in the coal industry, Gary decided to create his own business, GRO Enterprises, based at his home in Langley.  He specialized in various types of industrial supplies and enjoyed exhaustive hours of product research to provide a detailed product line to most effectively meet the needs of his customers.

Gary married his high school sweetheart, Bonnie Prater, in 1968 whom he had known since the 5th grade.  They have two children, Elizabeth Ousley and Gary Christopher Ousley (Jodi).   And one grandson, Christopher David Ousley.

He enjoyed visiting with his friends, sharing stories and drinking many cups of coffee at the Dairy Queen in Martin.  Likewise, he loved the company of his pets. 

Gary left his family and friends with a legacy of kindness, hard work and the lesson of the importance of determination and perseverance.  He will be greatly missed.   

“For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised” – Hebrews 10:36

Memorial service will be conducted on Sunday, May 23 at 2 PM in the Hall Funeral Home Chapel with Kevin Jett officiating. Visitation is 11 AM Sunday until time of service at 2.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donating to either God’s Pantry Food Bank, 1685 Jaggie Fox Way, Lexington, KY 40511 or the Floyd County Animal Shelter, PO Box 1502, Prestonsburg, KY 41653. 

The family would also like to specifically thank Phyllis Dotson, Leann George and Mark Halbert for their steadfast support during Gary’s illness.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gary Randall Ousley, please visit our floral store.