Gary Brian Christenot

Gary Brian Christenot, 61, of Fort Walton Beach, FL passed away May 14, 2018. Gary was born on April 11, 1957 to Johnny and Janice Christenot in Chelsea, Massachusetts. He married his High School sweetheart, Mary Ann, on June 30, 1978. 

Gary graduated from Escambia High School in Pensacola, FL in 1975.  He attended Florida State University but graduated from The University of Nebraska with a Bachelors Degree in Political Science.  He also received a Masters Degree in Software Engineering from the University of Maryland.

Gary’s Air Force career spanned 23 years beginning with an enlistment in the United States Air Force in 1977 as a linguist, and then being commissioned as an officer in 1985 in Signals Intelligence.  Gary received the following decorations:  Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (6 devices), AF Commendation Medal (1 device), AF Outstanding Unit Award, Combat Readiness Medal, AF Good Conduct Medal (1 device), National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, AF Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, AF Longevity Service Award Ribbon (2 devices), NCO Professional Military Graduate Ribbon, AF Training Ribbon (1 device).  He retired from the Reserves as a Major.  His employment after the military included ARINC and TYBRIN Corporations and for the last 5 years has been a civilian working as a Software Engineer on Eglin AFB developing complex aircraft scheduling systems that are used on 80 bases worldwide.

Gary had a passion for photography and it showed in the beautiful photos he took.  He also loved spending time on the water and had bought a boat which was a lifelong dream.  One of the greatest joys of his life were his three grandsons whom he loved immensely.  He was a gifted musician and he loved to sing with his fellow Escambia High School Rebelaire Alumni in the Phyllis Merritt Singers. Gary was a faithful member of Wright Baptist Church and loved his church family.

Gary is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Mary Ann; and his 3 sons, Matthew Christenot and, daughter-in-law, Stephanie (Lawrence, KS), Jordan Christenot and Phillip Christenot, (Orlando, FL); grandchildren, Hudson, Elliot and Cameron Christenot (Lawrence, KS); parents, Johnny F. and Janice Christenot (Pensacola, FL); and brothers, Forrest Christenot (Pensacola) and Ken Christenot (Massachusetts); nephew, Michael Miller and wife, Megan, (Washington); great nieces, Madison Miller and Mallory Miller (Washington).  

Friends and family are invited to attend A Celebration of Life service for Gary on Saturday, May 19, 2018 at Wright Baptist Church, 795 Beal Parkway NW, Fort Walton Beach, FL, at 11:00 am with Rev. Sean McMahon, Rev. Wes Ratliff, Dr. Jeremy Gates and Dr. Mickey Hawkins officiating.  A short time of visitation prior to the service will begin at 10:30 am.