Gary O. Annis

Gary Annis ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Riposta Funeral Home - Belfast on Mar. 9, 2026.Gary O. Annis was born on the Canadian border in Milltown, Maine on July 29, 1948. He passed in the early morning hours on March 5, 2026, after a courageous battle with multiple myeloma and several related health issues. G ary was predeceased by his mother Hattie (Montgomery) Annis, his father Marshall Annis, his brother Jack Annis, and his daughter Teresa Annis.He is survived by his wife Mary Annis, his daughters Victoria Annis and Misti (Pete) Leathers, his two stepchildren, Timothy Allenwood and Victoria (Allenwood) Molina, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.Gary was born and raised in Maine and spent most of his life here, with shorter periods in Alabama, Nevada and California, returning in 2008 to live out his last years in Searsport, Maine. He worked mostly in sales in many different capacities, and he was the proverbial salesman who could sell ice to an Eskimo. He was in the US Army from 1967 to 1975, serving in Vietnam, Korea, and stateside. These years gave him a sense of pride but also took a toll on him both physically and emotionally, leaving him with a 100% VA disability, which ultimately led to the disease that took his life.Gary's greatest joy was his family and doing whatever he could to protect and make their lives better whenever he could. In 2014 he purchased the large home that he spent his final years in with the express purpose of being able to adapt it to accommodate family members who needed a short-term or long-term place to call home. During the period he lived here, he welcomed with open arms his mother-in-law, who lived here until her passing at 102, one of his stepchildren and their family, and his sister-in-law and brother-in-law. Working alongside other family members, he was greatly instrumental in the rehabilitation of his brother-in-law Frank for two years until his death in 2021, helping him make miraculous strides to regain both physical and mental abilities after a massive brain hemorrhage. Others said it couldn't be done; Gary never gave up and made it happen.He loved to travel; it didn't matter if it was a short trip in the countryside to enjoy one of his favorite pastimes, yard sales, or more exotic locations like the Bahamas or Mexico. He was always up for a trip. He loved music and used his wonderful talents to sing and play the guitar. He enjoyed karaoke and took any opportunity that he could get to entertain an audience. He loved to be the center of attention, and people were drawn to him naturally.He was loved by many and will be greatly missed by all who knew him well. RIP Gary, until we see each other again.Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ripostafh.comTo plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.