Gary Lee Temple, was born on January 31, 1952, in Muskegon, Michigan, to Sylvester (Jimmy) Crockett and Barbara Jean Phifer. He was the 2nd one born in this family.

Gary’s early education began in Whitehall Public Schools before his family relocated to the city, where he attended Muskegon Public Schools and graduated in 1970. He furthered his education at Colorado State University Pueblo on a basketball scholarship, where he earned his degree, showcasing his commitment both on the court and in academics.

His professional life was characterized by diverse roles in the workforce. Gary worked as a Night Shift Stocker for Safeway/Albertson’s and King Soopers, demonstrating reliability and a strong work ethic. Additionally, he served as a Forklift Driver for Miller/Coors, further underscoring his versatility and dedication in his career.

In his leisure time, Gary had a passion for basketball, playing actively in his younger years and maintaining a love for watching basketball and football. Above all else, he cherished spending time with his family, creating memories that those close to him will forever hold dear. One such cherished memory comes from his wife, Christina Temple, who fondly recalls their holiday gatherings with their children, notably the New Year’s Eve of 1985 when a snowstorm could not keep Gary from joining the celebrations with their daughters Tanisha, Anne, Tamar, and son Monte.

Gary's family remembers him as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his devoted wife, Christina Temple; his children: daughters Tamar Moss-Joseph (Ben) of Aurora, Colorado; Anne Donson (Terrance) of Kathleen, Georgia; Tanisha Smith of Denver, Colorado; and son Monte Smith of Denver, Colorado. Gary’s siblings who survive him include sisters Claudette Phifer of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Kim Crockett-Gill of Louisville, Mississippi, as well as brothers Abraham Phifer of Denver, Colorado, Jesse Phifer, and Clardie Phifer, both of Muskegon, Michigan. His legacy extends to eleven grandchildren—Abria Smith, Rashid Smith, Jeremiah Donson, Anika Smith, Isaac Donson, Victoria Donson, Monte Smith Jr., Isaiah Pickens, Amari Pickens, Azayvion Pickens, and Amiya Pickens—and two great-grandchildren, Kashmeir Smith and Kazyiah Smith. Gary’s family circle also includes numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and family friends who held him in high regard.

He was preceded in death by his mother Barbara Jean Phifer, father Sylvester (Jimmy) Crockett, daughter Krisunda Temple, brothers Leonard Phifer, Dallas, Tom Phifer, nephew Jerry L. Temple, nieces Aretha A. Brooks, sisters Joanne Phifer, Tonie Temple-Brooks, and Barbara Phifer.

The community is invited to pay their respects at a visitation held at Pipkin Braswell Funeral Home & Cremation, located at 6601 E Colfax Ave, Denver, Colorado, on April 17, 2026, from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM. This will be followed by a Celebration of Life service from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with additional commemorative events taking place later in the day.

In his own words left as a loving note to his grandchildren: "To my beloved grandkids, know that Grandpa loves each and every one of you. You all hold a special place in my heart. I want each and every one of you to continue to do well and be all that you can be. Know that I am watching from above and will always love you."

Gary Lee Temple’s life was one of steadfast commitment—to his work, to his passion for sports, and most importantly, to his family. His memory endures through those who loved him and the profound impact he made throughout his years.