Former Union County commissioner Gary Sides dies after battle with brain cancer
Union County Commissioner Gary Sides has died from brain cancer a week after he resigned from the board, the county announced Wednesday evening. The news comes two days after his resignation was announced by the county. In a resignation letter, Sides shared he was diagnosed with stage IV glioblastoma just four months after taking office as county commissioner. His treatment plan included brain surgery to remove a tumor, radiation and chemotherapy.
Sides was sworn in as commissioner in December 2024 following over a decade of public service in the county.
“My heart breaks for the Sides family, and this is truly a sad day for Union County and all of us,” Commission Chair Brian Helms said in a news release. “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.”
County officials described Sides as a dedicated public servant who focused heavily on education, public safety and community needs during his time in office. Before joining the commission, he served on the Stallings Town Council and later spent a decade on the Union County Board of Education, where colleagues said he advocated for students and families.
Vice Chair Christina Helms said his faith and commitment to others defined both his leadership and his personal life.
“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.”
In a resignation letter the county released after his death, Sides detailed the diagnosis that forced him to leave office and reflected on the priorities he had hoped to work on. Sides said he decided to resign at the urging of his medical team.
“I am, thankfully, stable and have held out hope that I could remain productive in my work on the Board of Commissioners,” Sides wrote in the letter he asked to be read at the next county meeting. “After much prayer and upon the advice of my care team, I am submitting my resignation from the Board.”
Sides wrote about issues he had worked on, including food insecurity among senior citizens, support for school employees and the need for a new county jail. He hoped to study county operations closely and make well-informed decisions for residents.
“I had such high hopes. And I was ready and willing to put the time in to learn all I could about County Government, research those areas I was less familiar with, and physically observe the actual day-to-day operations so I could make the best informed decisions on matters that came before me during my time on the council,” Sides wrote. “I knew that is what the citizens of Union County deserved and had entrusted me to do.”
Commissioner Melissa Merrell, who also served with Sides on the school board, said his work was especially focused on students and families.
“It was the honor of my life to serve by Gary’s side for nine years and to call him my friend,” Merrell said in a news release. “Gary served passionately and with purpose, especially for students with special needs and their parents.”
A Texas native, Sides earned a finance degree from the University of Illinois and later founded an insurance business, which he sold in 2023, according to a county news release. He and his wife were also foster parents and adopted three children.
Following his death, county officials ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff for the remainder of the week. Memorial arrangements will be shared once finalized, according to the county.
“It was an honor to work with Gary and to witness firsthand his unwavering commitment to the residents of this county,” County Manager Brian Matthews said in the news release. “All of us with Union County Government extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and all those whose lives he touched.”
