GARY VOORHEES

VOORHEES, GARY

Gary Voorhees born April 26, 1937 in Erie, PA left his earthly body Saturday morning July 7th, 2012. His parents were Mae Reese and Vernett Voorhees. His parents divorced at an early age and Gary was raised by his father, mother and grandparents, Alice and Jack. Alice and Jack lived in Forestville, NY and Gary spent the winters with them in Mount Dora, FL. He attended grade school there and in Forestville, NY.

He went to high school in Erie, PA and graduated from East High School. His first wife, Nancy Woods survives, as well as his children Craigg Voorhees, and Pamela Cantrell (Frank). Grandchildren Josh (Allie) great grandson Mason; Ashley, Allen, Danielle Dimitroff (Bobby Finley), Dana Morgan (Terry), great grandchildren Olivia, Trey and Rylee.

Gary is survived by sister Gayle Morin and children Susan, Shelly and Scott. His father remarried and he is survived by 3 brothers and 2 sisters from this union. Vincent (Lynn), Priscilla (Mark), Stephen and nephews Jason, Wayne and Kori Irwin; Janette (Dick) Turicci with twin nieces Annette and Rhyan; Larry Voorhees and nephew Lucas; Allen Voorhees and niece Alexa and nephew Austin. Gary's mother remarried and he is survived by one brother Tim Deaton and nieces Lana Deaton and Tarah (Steve) Siemiet and niece Kylie and nephew Gauge.

He lived in Fairview, PA and Barbourville, KY eventually moving to Keystone Heights, FL where he built his dream house. During this time he worked for Sears, JC Penney, Gate City, House of Interior, Sheila Hawley, Donna Cohen, and David Dawes, installing window treatments. He had his own interior design company for several years and installed flooring for the VA Medical Center. He met the love of his life, Virginia, in 1984 while they were both on a Trinity Singles trip to Key West. They were married in 1985. He is survived by her and her children Steven Arnold; Michelle (Mark) Van Leer with grandson Joe; John Arnold (Anne Pfister) and grandchildren Grace, Jack and Olive.

Gary was extremely talented in many aspects. He was a builder and artist. He made a craft room and many shelves for his wife's collection of pottery. He constructed a three level deck with a bohio for Virginia's flowers and a greenhouse with hot tub to house the plants in the winter. He made Virginia's rose headdress for their wedding. He liked to paint and sketch.

He found the second love of his life, flying radio controlled airplanes, at a late age. He spent many hours flying in the field by the main post office. He was a member of the Flying Gators and went flying at least 3-4 times a week. He had many models and constructed many of his own design. He proudly designed the float for the Flying Gators debut in the 2012 Homecoming Parade as well as erecting the sign for the club. He will be sadly missed by his flying buddies, Frank Washington, Victor Ramos, Chuck, Ron, Red, Danny, John Babione, Ray, One-Eyed Larry and others at the field whose names we didn't know, but they know who they are.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, July 14, 2012 at the Milam Funeral Home Chapel, with interment to follow at Evergreen Cemetery. The family would like to thank Haven Hospice for all the help they provided in his final days at home, as well as Michelle Van Leer for driving the bus. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations can be made to Haven Hospice 4200 NW 90th Blvd. Gainesville, FL 32606. MILAM FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, 311 S. Main Street Gainesville, FL 32601 (352) 376-5361.