This news story has been updated to include details about Gary Sides' memorial service, with permission from the Sides family.  

The Union County Board of Commissioners is saddened to share that Gary Sides, who resigned from the Board last week, has passed away after a brave, mostly private battle with brain cancer. With his family's permission, Union County shares this news with the community he faithfully served.

Sides was sworn into the Union County Board of Commissioners on December 2, 2024, after a decade of service on the Union County Board of Education. Throughout his time in public office, Commissioner Sides remained deeply committed to serving residents, advocating for families, and improving the quality of life throughout Union County.

"My heart breaks for the Sides family, and this is truly a sad day for Union County and all of us," said Board of Commissioners Chair Brian Helms. "Gary's work on the Board of Education and our Board speaks to the life he lived - a life of service. He was truly passionate about serving the people of Union County."

Vice Chair Christina Helms, who served with him on the Board of Education, added, “He was a man of faith, and I have no doubt he is peacefully in heaven and no longer in pain. His leadership, his heart for people and his desire to make a difference will leave a lasting impact on Union County for years to come.”

Commissioner Melissa Merrell served alongside Sides on both the Union County Board of Education and the Board of County Commissioners. “It was the honor of my life to serve by Gary’s side for nine years and to call him my friend,” said Merrell. “Gary served passionately and with purpose, especially for students with special needs and their parents. He fought to ensure every child received the best education possible, one uniquely matched to their learning style and God given gifts. Gary always led from his heart, which was bigger than his 10-gallon hat! Gary served with great passion because he deeply believed in standing up for what he felt was right. His legacy of service, advocacy, and friendship will stay with me forever. My thoughts and prayers are with Myra, the children, and all of the Sides family during this time of grief.”

"Gary was a fine gentleman with a servant's heart," said Commissioner Clancy Baucom. "He will truly be missed."

A Texas native born in Fort Worth, Sides graduated from the University of Illinois with a finance degree. He founded Marshall Insurance in 2001 and sold it in 2023. Sides and his wife, Myra, are former foster parents and have three adopted children. Their eldest son serves in the U.S. Army in Anchorage, Alaska. Their youngest son graduated from CATA in 2025 and is currently in welding school in South Carolina following his internship with McGee Corporate.

Before his election to the Board of Commissioners, Sides served on the Stallings Town Council from 2004 to 2005 and was elected to the Union County Board of Education in 2014, where he served for 10 years. He was known for his advocacy for students, including championing in-person graduation opportunities for the Class of 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sides resigned from his position as County Commissioner last week by sending the letter below, which he requested be read into the minutes at the next regular Board meeting on April 20, 2026.

To honor Sides’ memory and service, County Manager Brian Matthews has ordered Union County flags at half-staff through the week. “It was an honor to work with Gary and to witness firsthand his unwavering commitment to the residents of this county," Matthews said. "All of us with Union County Government extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and all those whose lives he touched."

The memorial service for Gary Sides will be held Sunday, April 26 at 3 p.m. at Lee Park Church, located at 2491 Morgan Mill Road in Monroe. Pastor Chris Justice will conduct the service.   

Read Gary Sides resignation letter to the Board of Commissioners.