Mr. Gary Lee Fisher

Gary Lee Fisher, age 81, of Venice, Florida, died on Sunday, November 10 after a months-long struggle with pneumonia. Born in 1943 in Des Moines, Iowa, he graduated from Adel High School in Adel, Iowa, and attended Iowa State University in Ames. For several years he was employed as a video producer and production manager for TV stations KCCI and WHO in Des Moines.

He met his wife Marilyn while working for WINK in Fort Myers, Florida. Their shared love of theater brought them together and provided them the opportunity to collaborate on many occasions over the years. They moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee, Marilyn’s hometown, shortly before they married and lived there for 30 years, during which time Gary earned a BA in Communications from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and a Master of Science in Health Services Administration from the College of Saint Francis. He worked in video production for WDSI-TV, Memorial Hospital and Chattanooga State Community College until his retirement.

Gary was introduced to acapella singing when he joined the Choo Choo Chorus, and this style of barbershop harmony became a passion for him. Gary, Marilyn, and their daughter Sarah returned to Florida in 2013 where Gary continued to pursue his love for writing and music by publishing an historical novel, Grace at the Gate, based on the lives of his grandparents, and by sharing his bass voice with the Venice Gondoliers Barbershop Harmony and the St. Mark’s Episcopal Church choir. But not being one given to idleness in retirement, he also worked for a time as manager of Divine Consign at their James Street location and as a concierge in the health center of Village on the Isle.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Henry Fisher and Blanche Marshall Fisher, and his son, Scott Michael Fisher. Survivors include his wife of 41 years, Marilyn Walker Fisher; his daughter Sarah Sullivan Fisher and her boyfriend Justin Tyler Lee; his sister Sheryl Rae Hickman-Peterson of Grants Pass, Oregon; brother-in-law Dr. Kirk Walker (Patsi) of Chattanooga, Tennessee; brother-in-law James Holt Walker (Tammy) of Wasilla, Alaska; and several nephews, nieces, and cousins.

The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to the medical staff of Sarasota Memorial Hospital, PAM Acute Rehabilitation Center, and Tidewell Hospice. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Venice Gondoliers Barbershop Harmony (12408 Davie Court, Venice, FL 34293) or the music department of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church (508 Riviera Street, Venice, FL 34285)

A date for the memorial service has not yet been set.