Gary Lee Alley Sr., of Tallahassee, Florida passed away on April 12th, 2024 at the age of 74. He was born on July 5th, 1949 in Beaver, Ohio, to Edgar and Kathryn Alley. He grew up in Tipp City, Ohio, and after graduating from Tippecanoe High School he attended Tennessee Temple College in Chattanooga, Tennessee where he met his wife to be, Judy Clark.
Gary and Judy spent their married life in Florida, particularly 40 years in Brandon where they raised a family of three boys and were members of the First Baptist Church of Brandon. Gary’s faith was central to his life; he served as deacon, sang in the choir, and worked with the youth during his sons’ teenage years.
Gary earned his B.A. from Tennessee Temple College in 1972 and then dedicated 18 years to the trucking industry. He furthered his education with an M.A. from the University of South Florida in 1996 and transitioned to a 15-year career with Hillsborough County teaching social studies in middle schools like Progress Village and Horace Mann.
In their retirement, Gary and Judy enjoyed traveling and visiting their sons’ families in Tallahassee, Florida and Jerusalem, Israel as well as cruising with friends and grandchildren to exotic locations. Gary was often seen with a book in hand on his back porch enjoying visitors and Judy’s popular sweet tea.
As Gary’s health declined, he and Judy moved to Tallahassee in 2022 to be closer to family support and joined Morningside Baptist Church.
Gary leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and light-hearted memories of hosting lively gatherings with his family and friends (especially on Christmas Eve).
Gary will be deeply missed by his beloved wife of 53 years, Judy. He is also survived by his children Gary, Jr. (Sharon), Jimmy (Julie), and Jonathan (Melissa), along with nine grandchildren: Jackson, Libby, Cash, Penelope, Sa’ar, Juliet, Sela, Violet, and Tsemah.
Gary is further survived by his sister Mary Spruance and his brothers David and Dana (Sheila). His memory will live on as a blessing in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who knew him.
A visitation for Gary will be held Monday, April 22, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home, 2323 West Brandon Blvd, Brandon, FL 33511. A funeral service will occur Monday, April 22, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, 2323 West Brandon Blvd, Brandon, FL 33511. A graveside service will occur Monday, April 22, 2024 from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM at Hillsboro Memorial Gardens, 2323 West Brandon Blvd, Brandon, FL 33511. A reception will begin at 4:00PM in the Dining Hall of First Baptist Church of Brandon, 216 N Parsons Ave.
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