Meet the Converse Family

The story of Gary and Cindy Converse began in Orrville, Ohio, a small town known as the birthplace of Smucker’s Jelly and home to Cindy’s family business, Murray’s Bakery. Their roots in Orrville run deep. They first met there, attended elementary school, junior high, and high school together, and built a friendship that would eventually grow into a marriage now spanning more than five decades.

Both continued their education at Kent State University, where their shared values and connection grew stronger. They were married at the Newman Center, also known as the Catholic Center, on the Kent State campus. This year, Gary and Cindy celebrate 52 years of marriage — a milestone that reflects their commitment to one another, their ability to embrace life’s changes, and the many adventures they have shared along the way. 

Family has always been at the heart of their lives. Their daughter, Kate Converse, is married to Dr. Harlan Bruner, and together they have two children. Harper will be a senior at Stanford University Online High School, and Henry will be a freshman at Woodward Academy. The family enjoys time together between Athens and Peachtree Corners. Their son, Tim Converse, lives in Dacula and is the proud father of Avery, who will be a sophomore at the University of North Georgia, and Hayden, who will be a junior at Buford High School. 

The Converse family also includes two much-loved pets: Wally, a 9-year-old rescue dog who is Gary’s favorite fishing companion, and Annie, a 16-year-old cat who has been part of the family for many years. 

Over the years, Gary and Cindy have called several places home. Gary’s career took their family across the country, with stops in Denver, Colorado; Oroville, California; Longview, Texas; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, before they ultimately settled in Fayetteville, Georgia, in 1989.

Gary built a remarkable 50-plus-year career in the wood preservation industry, beginning with research and development and eventually moving into executive leadership. His career took him from research work in Ohio to managing commercial operations in Colorado and California, followed by leadership roles in national sales, marketing, and global business operations. In addition, Gary was also Executive Producer of five home improvement television shows which aired on the Home & Garden Television network (HGTV). After decades of dedication to the industry, Gary retired in 2020 as Senior Vice President. 

Cindy began her career as a social worker in Ohio. She later stepped away from her career to focus on raising their children before returning to the workforce in Georgia with Visiting Nurse Health System in Atlanta. Along the way, she dedicated countless hours to serving others, including volunteering as a Cub Scout leader, supporting her children as a soccer mom, and helping establish a hospice program. Caring for others has always been a meaningful part of who she is. 

The Converses became part of the Five Points community in 2013 when they purchased their home and officially moved in during 2019. Their original goal was to be closer to their daughter’s family after Kate and Harlan relocated to the Atlanta area, where Harlan accepted a position at Northside Hospital. While their children have since moved into new chapters of their own lives, Gary and Cindy quickly discovered that Five Points had become home in a way they never expected. 

They fell in love with the neighborhood’s charm, walkability, and welcoming spirit. They enjoy being able to walk to church, visit local favorites such as Royal Peasant, Marker 7, Five & Ten, Cali ’n Tito’s, and the Bottle Shop, but what they value most is the sense of community. To Gary and Cindy, Five Points is a place where neighbors know one another, friendships grow naturally, and people genuinely care. 

Giving back has always been an important part of their lives. Both remain active volunteers with the Catholic Center at UGA and various community organizations. Gary looks forward each year to helping with the Salvation Army Christmas drive and packing meals for Feed My Starving Children. He is also an active member of the Five Points Parketeers, helping maintain and improve the neighborhood’s beautiful green spaces. 

Gary and Cindy also like the simple pleasures of everyday life. Cindy loves playing cards with friends and participating in a weekly Mahjong group. Gary’s passion for fly fishing has taken him around the world! During the COVID years, he discovered the joy of fishing in north Georgia, often heading to rivers with Wally by his side. While local fishing trips have become a treasured tradition, Gary still enjoys traveling to destinations out west and even the Amazon in search of new adventures. 

Travel has always been another shared joy. They have explored Europe, China, and the Holy Land, experiencing different cultures and creating memories along the way. Recent journeys have included Ireland and Wales for a soccer match, adventures through Vietnam and Cambodia, and a special anniversary celebration in Spain and Lourdes, France! 

After decades of careers, moves, travel and new starts, Gary and Cindy Converse have found their home. Five Points has allowed them to slow down, connect with neighbors, serve the community and have the everyday moments that give life meaning. For them, home is more than a location – it is the people, friendships and memories made along the way.