He was born in Witherspoon, Arkansas, to the late Fredrick and Thelma Lemons. He attended Southern State University, in Arkansas, on a band scholarship, earning a B.A. degree in English Education. He received an M.A. in English from the University of Arkansas, an M.A. in Museum Studies, and a Ph.D. in English from New York University. Gary taught English, Sunday school, and Bible study at various institutions. His final teaching post was at the University of South Florida's Department of English.

He has authored and edited eight books. A painter also, you can view some of Gary's works at www.myafrika.com. Gary also became an ordained Elder in the Church of God in Christ. He, his wife and daughter joined Bible-Based Fellowship Church of Temple Terrace in 2009, where he served on the pastor's ministerial team and in several ministries.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents and other family members. He leaves to cherish his memory: wife of 42 years, Fanni Green-Lemons; brother, Gregory D. Lemons; children, Gabriel (wife, Claudine, and daughters, Aria amd Zuri), Danyealah, Elmore Gildersleeve (wife, Alexandria, and children, Miles, Madison, & Mya); sisters-in-law, E. Paulette Gildersleeve, and Margaret Green; aunts, Olllie Watson, Faye Garlnd, Dr. Jo Ann Garland, and Audrey Lemons; and a host of loving cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Please send flowers, plants, and resolutions to Aikens Funeral Home, 2708 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Tampa, FL