Gary Todd Booth

Gary Todd Booth, 63 of Athens, passed away on Saturday, November 30th, 2024, at Athens Limestone Hospital. He was born on January 23rd, 1961, to Archie Booth and June Allfrey Booth, of Athens. Mr. Booth is survived by his son Richard P. Booth; daughter Rebecca J. Booth; father Archie L. Booth; sister Cindy B. Evans (W. Jerry); nephew Martin L. Evans; niece Corinne E. Skaggs (Kurt); great-nephews William and Jasper Skaggs; and great-niece Erica Skaggs. He is preceded in death by his mother. Mr. Booth served in the 20th Special Forces Group, Airborne. After graduating the Special Forces Qualification Course, he was commended as the Honor Graduate of class 4-86, naming him a “Noncommissioned officer of the highest caliber, distinguishing himself from his peers through his leadership ability and technical knowledge.” He qualified as an 18 Echo Communications Sergeant with expertise in Special Operations communications, cryptographic systems, procedures, operation and signal, and communication security, planning and procedure. During his enlisted career, he strengthened his unit’s skillsets further, cross training as an 18 Bravo weapons sergeant and 18 Charlie demolitions and engineer sergeant, becoming expertly trained in the use of U.S. and foreign small arms, anti-tank, anti air, and indirect fire weapons systems as well as skills in military demo operation and the disabling/disassembly of explosives. Throughout his enlisted career, he earned awards for his stellar physical fitness and combat readiness as well as his good conduct. He earned Medals of Achievement from the U.S. Army for “tireless effort and superior training” to make ready his units; for “invaluable assistance as an aggressor” in operations with the 117th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing; his personal performance, performance of his unit and others affected; and the long-term implementation of strategies/techniques he used to improve the readiness of the units with which he operated. Even with these prestigious accolades, his priority remained his reputation and the respect he earned throughout his career as an NCO from his subordinates and leaders. He received letters of appreciate from all ranks, citing his positive attitude, strong character, and drive to go above and beyond to ensure success, his ability to provide creative solutions, quick action, as well as how rare it was to work alongside an individual of his like. These citations and high regards would follow in the many letters of recommendation for promotion, and for his acceptance into the Army ROTC Reserve Officer Training Corps, where he graduated Summa Cum laude, as well as Cum Laude as an electrical engineer from the University of Alabama. Upon his graduation, Todd was commissioned as an officer for the United States military, where he would continue his exemplary service until his retirement in April of 2001. Upon honorable discharge from 20Th Special Forces Group, Todd continued his dedication to his country as an Electrical Engineer for SAIC in Huntsville. He specialized in Radar Communications regarding the design, testing, and configuration of threat detection systems and complex data interpreting systems, just to name a few. For more than 26 years, he gathered a diversified wealth of knowledge and experience. As he progressed, his keen ability to find creative solutions to complex problems would shine in field operations and the many testing facilities in which he worked. He earned his team many letters of appreciation for stellar performance, immediately integral to the success of these systems; he garnered respect and great merit for both himself and his group until his retirement. His successes in the developing, enhancing, and implementation of systems and programs for a near-30 year career continue even now to benefit our military and defense of our country. Todd was a man of many hats and great talent that could not give you anything less than his best. Countless letters of his physical and mental toughness, strong will, intelligence, creativity, and his positive attitude come from those who shared experiences with him. For all these qualities, his lifelong, selfless love will always transcend his accomplishments. His laugh was contagious, and he would go far out of his way to bring people joy without complaint at every opportunity. He savored time with his family and friends on the water, in the woods, and at gatherings. His immeasurable love will always ring loudly over our reflections of his life. His heart was and always will be the greatest gift – one that he leaves with all of us. Funeral services for Mr. Booth will be held Wednesday, December 11th, 2024, at 1:00pm at Limestone Chapel Funeral Home with Full Military Honors at Athens City Cemetery immediately following the service. Visitation will be held Tuesday, November 10th, from 5:00-7:00pm at the funeral home. Mr. Booth was a member of the 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne). In lieu of flowers, please donate to: 20th Special Forces Society NA Chapter PO Box 4144 Huntsville, AL 35814-4144 ,or your favorite charity.

Gary Todd Booth

January 23, 1961 - November 30, 2024