Gary T. Mangrum, 69, of Springfield, Tennessee, passed away on December 29, 2023. He was born on September 3, 1954 in Nashville, Tennessee to parents, Alex and Betty Mangrum. Gary grew up in Madison, Tennessee and attended Madison High School. Gary had an innate love for animals and worked as a veterinarian technician in his younger days. As a result of his unusual relationship with animals, he had a bit of a reputation as a “horse whisperer”. He loved riding horses and they responded well to him. In more recent days, Gary enjoyed spending time riding his Harley-Davidson, as well as bush hogging on his tractor. Gary gravitated to television shows of days gone by. His family says that he loved to watch “The Andy Griffith Show” and “The Beverly Hillbillies”. He had a great sense of humor and was very comical. It is said that his love language was sarcasm. Although he appeared to be “rough around the edges”, Gary always had a “heart of gold”. Gary had a fierce love for his family. They all felt secure in his love for them and knowing he would protect them at all times at any cost. He loved well . . . was well-loved . . . and will be greatly missed. Gary is preceded in death by his father, Alex Mangrum; his mother, Betty Owens Mangrum; brothers, Dennis Mangrum, Alex Mangrum, Jr., Phillip Mangrum; and sister, Linda Gayle Corbitt. He is survived by his loving wife of fifty years, Vicki Mangrum; daughters Stacy George up(Demetrius) and Stephanie Mangrum; grandchildren Christian Johnson, Alexis Mangrum, Austin Johnson, Jessica Johnson, Alexandria Aldrich; great granddaughter, Hadley Grace Mangrum; sister, Donna Hunter (Don); brother Roger Corbitt (Linda); and many loving nieces, nephews, and extended family. There will be a Gathering of Family & Friends at Hermitage Funeral Home on Friday, January 12, from 4pm – 8pm, and on Saturday, January 13, from 11am – 1pm. A Celebration of Gary’s Life will begin in the Tulip Grove Room at the funeral home at 1:00pm. Following the service, Gary will be laid to rest in the Garden of Rachel at Hermitage Memorial Gardens. As an expression of sympathy and remembrance, flowers can be sent to Hermitage Funeral Home. Gary loved flowers and his favorite color was yellow.