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Gary Junior Obituary
Gary Rex Junior went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on October 3rd, 2008. Born October 3rd, 1940,Gary graduated from Gainesville High School in 1959. Served in the US Navy from 1959 to 1963. He Graduated from Central Florida Community College 1967.
Gary was a businessman who worked in redevelopment of many downtown Gainesville Properties. He founded The Office Mart and Contrax Furnishings, which supplied schools throughout the state of Florida. He last major property development, and probably his favorite, was The Southfork Lodge in Lowman, Idaho.
Gary served on the Gainesville City Commission from 1976 to 1979, 1980 to 1983 and was mayor from 1982 to 1983. He was instrumental in saving the Gainesville Transit System, now known as the Regional Transit System from insolvency and modernizing its fleet and operation. Gary also spearheaded the effort to institute transparent and efficient management and fiscal systems in all of the cities operations. He received special recognition for his efforts to enhance the recreation and open space opportunities for residents of the city and area. During his tenure as commissioner he spearheaded the redevelopment of the Seagle Building, The Hippodrome Theater, The Thomas Center and the building of the Clock Tower.
Gary was an active member of Westside Baptist Church and the Jabez Sunday School Class.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Dianne Junior; 3 sons: Eric Junior, Justin Junior, and Kristopher Junior; 2 daughters: Kelly King (husband Brent) and Krystle Junior; 1 grandson Michael Junior; 2 granddaughters: Erica Junior and Kasen Junior; 1 brother: F.J. "Cork" Junior (wife Connie) 4 sisters; Barbara Mixson (husband Morris), Sue Mixson (husband Jim), Dixie Guinn, Carole Williamson (husband Richard); His mother-n-law: Laverne Dowling and, 41 nieces and nephews.
His father Rev. Fred Junior and mother Waive Junior precede him in death.
Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, October 7th 2008, 11:00am at Westside Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8pm at Milam Funeral Home, Monday, October 6th, 2008. Interment will be at Shiloh Cemetery, Micanopy, Florida immediately following the funeral service.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Florida Baptist Children's Home, 690 NE 23rd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32609.
Arrangements will be under the direction of Milam Funeral Home, 311 South Main Street, Gainesville, Florida 352.376.5361.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Junior
Laura Howard
October 22, 2008
Dearest Dianne and family,
I am so sad to hear of Gary's passing. He was such a wonderful neighbor. I can still see him smoking his pipe and telling me how he loved to hear my son singing as he swung (my son has Down syndrome). He so obviously adored you and his children and I am honored to have known him!
Kristi (DeVore) Shores
October 20, 2008
I worked with Dixie at SFCC about 14 years ago but STILL remember how much her family meant to her. My prayers go to each of you and pray that God will bring to your minds, special memories to heal the loss that you all are feeling. Dixie, I am so sorry you have lost your brother. Know that I am thinking of you...
Michael Greenan
October 11, 2008
Dear Junior Family: I was very shocked and saddened at seeing the news of Mr. Gary passing. I can still remember him letting me take his seat on the airplane to Europe, so I could watch the clouds when I was 8 years old. He was one of the nicest people I will ever meet. Your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jack Schwander
October 9, 2008
Dianne and Family,
We are praying for you at this time. So sorry about Gary. It was great having Florida relatives while we lived there. Thanks for the great memories.
Sincerely,
Jack & Jerrilynn, Amy, Chad and Kristy
The Schwanders
October 9, 2008
Dear Dianne and family,
We are so sorry about Gary passing away. We hope you are finding comfort in the confidence of Jesus Christ as we are at this time. We are thankful for all the sweet memories with the Juniors over the years. The Lord was gracious then and still is now. We look forward to a glorious reunion someday.
Love Uncle Bob and Aunt Ellie
Rita Waddell
October 9, 2008
Though we only met once... he and Miss Diane made us feel so welcome in their home. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Paul Clayton
October 7, 2008
Dear Dianne and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Gary was a good friend during those high school days and I aways enjoyed him when our paths crossed in later years.
Myra Lancaster
October 7, 2008
Mrs Diane and the whole Junior Family:
I am so sorry for your loss and my prayers will be with you all. God Bless
Sharon & David Crown
October 7, 2008
Dear Dianne & Family,
David and I were so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that we (and the entire Crown family) are thinking of you and your family, especially today.
We truly hope that all the wonderful memories and friends can bring you some comfort through this time.
We hope to see you soon. Take care of each other right now.
Love to all
ED CURRY
October 7, 2008
CONTRAX FURNISHINGS,UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF GARY,PROVIDED SCHOOL FURNITURE TO THE SCHOOL BOARD OF BREVARD COUNTY FOR THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS ON TIME& AT A FAIR PRICE.WE BECAME FRIENDS & I WILL MISS HIM. ED CURRY ,ASST.SUPT.BREVARD COUNTY SCHOOLS.
JoAnn Strober
October 7, 2008
Diane, Michael and I were so saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Gary. Our most sincere thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
With love, JoAnn
JAY PETERSEN
October 6, 2008
DIANE & FAMILY
JAY & I HAVE FOND THOUGHTS OF GARY, AND HIS PASSION
AND LOVE FOR LOWMAN..
OUR PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU..
YOUR NEIGHBORS IN LOWMAN..JAY & MARILYN PETERSEN
Tom & Donna Swanson
October 6, 2008
Dianne and family,
We send our love and sympathy. Thanks for many great visits and memories in Idaho. Peace be to Gary's memory.
James "Fred" Pike
October 6, 2008
Dear Dianne & Family,
We were deeply saddened to learn of Gary's sudden passing. He was a true friend, a joy to be around, and a kind and generous man.
He lived life to its fullest.
Love,
Fred and Kathy Pike
Doug Bergey
October 6, 2008
With my deepest sympathy for the family of Gary Junior. I met Gary and Dianne the first time this summer while surveying the Southfork Lodge in Lowman. I was fasicnated with his stories and passion for life. My survey crew and myself stayed the night at Gary and Dianne's Lodge. Gary was very gracious and hospitable. I will miss him.
Jeanne and Steve Singer
October 6, 2008
Dear Dianne and Family,
We are so saddened to hear that Gary has left us. He was such a unique and passionate person. All of our lives are changed for the good because of Gary. He will be missed. Our love and prayers go out to you.
Jon Gardner
October 6, 2008
Dear Kelly and Family,
I would like to give my most sincere condolences during this tough time in all of your lives. Gary was great man and I feel very fortunate to have been able to have known him and work for him at the property he loved so much here in Idaho. I was deeply impressed by his wisdom, integrity, and devotion to all of the things he loved. May God be with him on his next adventure.
Paul Broxton
October 6, 2008
Dear Junior Family,
I was with great sadness to hear about Mr. Gary's passing. I can remember back my Dad "Joe Broxton" and Gary were good friends and would always talk politics. I enjoyed going up to GA hunting with him also.
Wade Jones
October 6, 2008
Aunt Dianne, and the entire Junior family, I know words can't express the loss you all are feeling now. I just wanted you to know that I was deeply saddened to hear the news of Uncle Gary's passing.
Love Chuck
Bob Meconis
October 6, 2008
Dear Dianne and Junior Family; We were saddened to hear of Gary's passing, and wanted to extend to you our deepest sympathy. Anyone who had the chance to know him, knows just how lucky your family was to have him. May you find comfort and strength with your family and friends at this time. Gary will be missed. Love Aunt Betty Meconis, Bob and Betty Meconis
T.J. Weakland
October 6, 2008
He was one of the greatest Men I have ever known.
I Love him and I will miss him .
William and Susan Kessler (Schwander)
October 6, 2008
Dear Junior Family,
Susan and I are deeply saddened by Garys passing. You all have our deepest sympathy and will remain strongly in our prayers as always.
Gary meant more to us than many knew. He was a real blessing to us in just the short time we were able to spend with him. We enjoyed him so much.
Gary was a truly remarkable man and we look forward to seeing him when we are all together again.
Christ is sufficient especially in these times that try our hearts.
Love , Bill and Sue
Kim Oliver
October 6, 2008
Dear Diane and family:
I was so sorry to hear Gary had passed on. He was a wonderful man and will be missed by everyone who knew him. My heart and prayers are with you all.
Mike Null
October 6, 2008
Please accept our deepest sympathy in the loss of Gary. He was a wonderful businessman, community leader and friend.
Jim Lee
October 6, 2008
Dear Dianne and the Junior family;
Peggy and I want to express our deepest sympathy for your loss of one of my best, long-time, "stand-up" friends.
I remember him from his first day at school and can only say he was a one-of-a-kind guy...always kind, thoughtful, and generous.
His love for "family-first", all children, and his city were always a given in his sometimes his feisty demeanor.
His great sense of humor made him a very special family man and friend.
We'll miss knowing we can call Gary we we come to town!
Best regards to you, Dianne...and hugs to you all!
Love,
Jim & Peggy Lee
Renee Mathis
October 6, 2008
Dear Dianne and family,
The Mathis family is very sorry for your loss. John has a lot of love for your entire family. He was just telling us last night how Gary Junior always treated him like a son. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Billy, Renee, John, and Shelby
Mary Broadfoot
October 6, 2008
I am so sorry to hear about Gary's passing. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Erin D'Agostino
October 6, 2008
Dear Diane and Kelly,
You both are in my thoughts and prayers. If you need anthing, please do not hesitate to call. I will be thinking of you!!!
Sincerely,
Erin
Sandy Weakland
October 6, 2008
Diane and Family,
Gainesville is a better place for having Gary here and accomplishing all he has done. I will miss him as well as many others will. I am thankful that he was always there for T.J. with encouragement, advice and understanding. His friendship has helped both of us. Our sincere condolences to all the family.
Lisa Gagne'
October 6, 2008
Dear Dianne , Krystal , Sara & Family.
Ariana and I have you in our thoughts and prayers. We are so very sorry for your loss.
Love,
Lisa & Ariana Gagne'
Linda Leavitt
October 6, 2008
May you find peace in God during this most sad time in your life. Sincerely, Buddy and Linda Leavitt Melrose, Fl
Shannon McCracken
October 5, 2008
I have wonderful memories of Mr. Junior growing up next door. How he let us ride in the back of the van on the bumpy roads to church just so he could make us laugh, his warm hugs on Christmas morning and his stern voice if we did something wrong. He was a wonderful man and I always loved him. To Dianne, Eric & Kelly I am sorry I could not be there this week for you as you were for me when my mom passed, but know that you and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless,
Shannon Bennett McCracken
Dan and Sandy Fleming
October 5, 2008
Dianne and family, So very sorry to hear of Gary's passing. We didn't get a chance to really get to know Gary,but when we came to Florida last year and the family had a get together to know us.He was so loving,caring, and humorous. And made us feel like we were part of the family.You could definately tell that family means everything to him. I know Gary will be missed deeply by friends and family. And we just want to say that we extend our sincere and deepest sympathy to all. And may god bless you and be with you all during this time of sorrow.
Kristen Allbright
October 5, 2008
Aunt Dianne,
Uncle Gary was a great person who touched us all with his kindness and wonderful sense of humor. We will miss him very much. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of the family.
Love, Kristen, Mike, Katy, Jay, Emily, Hawkes, Caroline and Phoebe
Gordy & Penny Hudson
October 5, 2008
Gary will always be remembered with a smile on his face and love in his heart.
Jill Hendrickson
October 5, 2008
Dear Dianne and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. May the Lord comfort and keep you during this difficult time. Gary was such a great cousin and family member. I have such great memories of all the times we spent with Uncle Fred and Aunt Mike and you all. We love you and will be praying for you.
Love Jill (Schwander) Hendrickson and Sam
Sara Junior
October 5, 2008
He was the most caring, fun, wise, and loving Uncle in the whole world! Anyone who knew him was lucky!! I love you Uncle Gary and will miss you everyday.
Sandy Fleming
October 5, 2008
Although Dan and I haven't been in the family very long we have been graciously accepted by all family members. When we first heard about the Junior family and were invited to their homes we were very nervous not knowing what to expect.Them not knowing us and we not knowing them.But when we arrived they were so kind and made us feel right at home. One thing that I will always remember about Gary is his quick wit. When someone would say something he could come back with a comment that added humor and laughter to the whole conversation. They had talked about their family cookbook and I had said that I would like to see it. And Sue said that she thought that she had an extra copy. When Barbara came to visit Michigan she brought me that cookbook. I have read that over an over. In fact when we got word that Gary had passed away. We were gone at the time but arrived home about 1:00 in the morning I sat down in my chair and got that cookbook out just to read some of the humorous comments Gary had to say about his sibblings. I just wish that we could have had more visits with him and his family. But there is no doubt in my mind that family meant everything to Gary. And God love him for that. Gary is leaving a legacy behind that is impecable. All the good he has done for his family and community. Our deepest and most sincere sympathy to Diane,Eric,Justin,Kristopher,Kelly and Krystal and to all of his sisters and brother,and grandchildren. To all involved in the Junior family I know that you are truly going to miss Gary Take Care and may God be with all of you in this time of sorrow. Your newly extended family members Dan and Sandy Fleming
Dawn (Dowling) Rudolph
October 5, 2008
Uncle Gary was a great man, one of a kind and anyone who has ever spent any amount of time with him knows it. 18 years ago he & Aunt Dianne rescued my world. Thank you.
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