David Edwin Gastley

David “Dave” Edwin Gastley age 70,  of Athens, Georgia died on July 26, 2022.  David was born in Atlanta, Georgia the son of the late Jesse and Dorothy Gastley.  He graduated from Sandy Springs High School in 1970.  He moved to Athens a few years after graduation because of the emerging music scene.

David Gastley is survived by his wife of 33 years, Mary T. Kramer, whom he met while working at the UGA Botanical garden in 1975.   He is also survived by his brother, Gerald Gastley(Sandy) of Marietta, Ga, his brothers- in law, William Kramer(Nona) of Wellington, Florida, and Stephen Kramer(Sally)of Tucker, GA, and by many nieces and nephews.

David loved music and played guitar in bands around Athens for many years.  He also loved fishing, boating, camping, and traveling to the mountains and the Georgia and Florida coasts.   He was gentle, funny, and generous.  He was ready to help others whenever called on.

David retired from his plumbing construction business in 2018 after more than 30 years.  He was proud of his employees who established their own successful businesses.  He continued to support and advise them long after they started their companies.

David was preceded in death by his parents, and his brothers Lewis Gastley and Wayne Gastley.

We appreciate the loving care given to David by Piedmont Athens Regional through his last illness and at other times when he needed care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:

UGA  botanical garden, Athens GA www.botgarden.uga.edu or The Food Bank of Northeast Georgia www.foodbanknega.org or The Athens Area Humane Society www.AthensHumaneSociety.org or Nuci space www.nuci.org .

A memorial service is being planned for later this summer.  David wanted his family and friends to gather to share memories of happy times, to make music, and to eat foods he loved.  Please connect with Mary Kramer to learn the date and location.  Your comments on the Lord and Stephens website at

www.lordandstephens.com/obituary/David-Gastley will help with planning.

Lord & Stephens Funeral Homes, West, Watkinsville, GA is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com