Gary “Dink” Todd Jr. was born on July 10, 1967, to Alvora Todd and Gary Todd Sr. (also known as Jerry Cooper). Gary was educated in the Cleveland Public School System and graduated from John Marshall High School in 1985.

At an early age, Gary was baptized at Providence Missionary Baptist Church. Later in life, he became a faithful member of Greater New Beginning Missionary Baptist Church, where he served as head of the security team until his health began to decline. His faith and commitment to his church family were an important part of his life.

After graduating from high school, Gary attended Airco Welding School while working at Industrial Castings alongside his grandfather, Moses. He later joined the United States Army, an experience that allowed him to travel and see different parts of the world. He honorably served his country until 1995.

Following his military service, Gary continued building his career in telecommunications, beginning with US West. In 2001, he began his career with AT&T, where he worked faithfully until his retirement in July 2026.

In 1986, Gary met the love of his life, Tabatha Stephens. The two were married in 1987 and shared 39 years of marriage. Their union was blessed with two children, Gary Malcolm and Tiffany Mariah. Gary was not only a loving husband and father, but also a father figure, mentor, and role model to many.  A man of strong character, he was stern and straightforward, yet his heart was full of love. He had a special way of making those around him feel protected and cared for.

Gary had many interests and hobbies, but more than anything, he loved sharing what he knew with others. He was a gifted cook who could truly “throw down” in the kitchen. Family and friends looked forward to his specialties, including pancakes, black-eyed pea soup, cheesecake, lasagna, spaghetti carbonara, and his famous barbecue, just to name a few.

Gary also had a deep love for fishing. He was always willing to take someone fishing and teach them, whether it was a boy, girl, woman, or man. He made sure there was a fishing rod for everyone. He was always excited to attend his annual fishing trip to Olcott, NY with his friends who shared his love for fishing.

Although Gary was never a Boy Scout himself, he generously shared his knowledge and skills with his son’s troop. He taught the boys how to safely carve soap using the knives he carried in his pocket. He also taught family and friends how to make wooden pens, passing along his creativity, patience, and craftsmanship.

Gary was an avid collector of firearms and took great pride in sharing his knowledge of firearm safety and responsible handling. He enjoyed teaching others how to shoot safely and would often help friends and family with cleaning and maintaining their firearms. He also enjoyed attending local gun shows.

He also had a great love for motorcycles. Gary enjoyed riding and spending time with his motorcycle friends, and he loved giving others rides so they could experience the freedom and excitement of riding while feeling safe in his care. He even convinced Tabatha to learn to ride, giving them another activity they could enjoy together.

A true handyman and craftsman, Gary could fix, build, repair, or figure out just about anything. Whether it was carpentry, home repairs, or creating something from scratch, he was always willing to lend a helping hand. He never expected payment for the work he did for others. His reward was simply knowing that he had made someone’s life a little easier.

Gary’s greatest gift was his willingness to share his time, knowledge, skills, and love with others. He taught through examples and left an impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. His legacy lives on through the lessons he taught, the memories he created, the lives he touched, and the love he gave so freely.

Gary “Dink” Todd Jr. leaves to cherish his memory and carry on his legacy: his beloved wife of 39 years, Tabatha Stephens-Todd; his children, Gary Malcolm Todd of Cleveland, Ohio, and Tiffany Mariah (Gokul) of McKinney, Texas; his sisters, Nisha Presley and Tonya Todd, both of Cleveland, Ohio; sisters-in-law, Trina’ Dunlap (Roy) of Cleveland, Ohio, and Sheila Ratchford (Warren) of Gaffney, South Carolina; nieces, Taylor Harris (Clayton) and Nishaye McCornell, both of Cleveland, Ohio, and LaBresha and Shelise Ratchford of Gaffney, both of South Carolina; nephews, DeAngelo(Maureen) and Martel McCornell both of LA. California Royal Dunlap, of Cleveland,Ohio ; and a host of other relatives, friends, church family, and loved ones.

Though Gary is no longer with us in person, the love he gave, the wisdom he shared, and the memories he created will remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Rest peacefully, Dink. Your legacy will live on.