Gary Edward “GW” Worstell, 92, of Lucasville, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, August 13, 2026, surrounded by the comfort of his home. Born on March 12, 1934, in West Portsmouth, he was the son of the late George Edward and Gladys Rose (Howard) Worstell.
A devout man of deep Christian faith and a dedicated member of Portsmouth Baptist Church, Gary lived a vibrant life defined by boundless energy, fearless ambition, and an unforgettable knack for storytelling. His legendary work ethic took root in early childhood on the farm—a passion for the land that stayed with him throughout his lifetime, eventually leading him to supply train carloads of seed to the O & M Seed Company for many years.
Never one to shy away from an adventure or a new endeavor, Gary wore many hats over the decades. In his younger years, he rode bulls, protected his community as a deputy with the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office, and owned furniture stores. A true pioneer and visionary, he joined George E. Worstell, Gladys R. Worstell, and Laurence M. Kimble under Williams County Broadcasting System as original and early licensee principals to launch WBNO in Bryan, Ohio, in 1962—a station that went on to make national history in 1979 as the very first solar-powered radio station in the United States, as mentioned on the Paul Harvey Show. Gary also established the Worstell Auction Company, which grew to become the largest general merchandise auction company in Houston and proudly continues to thrive today under the direction of the third generation of the Worstell family.
Beyond his entrepreneurial spirit, Gary was honored with an appointment as a Kentucky Colonel. When he wasn’t pursuing his next venture, he could often be found casting a fishing line, enjoying classic John Wayne Westerns, or sharing a good story with family and friends.
Above all his accomplishments, Gary’s greatest treasure was his family. He is survived by the love of his life and devoted wife of nearly 49 years, Sherlene “Shirley” (Overturf) Worstell. United in marriage on August 31, 1977, in Seabrook, Texas, the two walked hand-in-hand, working side-by-side with steadfast love and mutual devotion ever since.
He leaves behind a proud legacy through his children: Gary E. (Merideth) Worstell of Houston, TX; Seth (Ashley) Worstell of Lucasville; Eric (Amber) Turnage of Lewis Center; and Debra Hirsh of Lucasville. He is also survived by six cherished grandchildren and their families, as well as his loyal canine companion, Happy.
In addition to his parents, Gary was reunited in Heaven with his daughter, Annette Hanes; his sister, Velma Eichenlaub; his granddaughter, Amy Worstell; and his former wife of 25 years, Gloria Ann (Watts) Worstell.
Services & Memorial Information
Visitation: Monday, August 17, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home in Portsmouth, and one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday.
Funeral Service with Facebook Live Stream: Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Portsmouth Baptist Church, with Pastor Mike Phillips officiating. To join the Live Stream, please visit the Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home FACEBOOK page shortly before 11:00 AM Tuesday.
Interment: Scioto Burial Park.
Memorial Contributions: In lieu of flowers, donations in Gary’s memory may be made to: Portsmouth Baptist Church, 4370 Scioto Trail, Portsmouth, OH 45662