Gay Elisabeth Evaldi

Gay Elisabeth (Miller) Evaldi, 75, of Ocala FL, died Sunday, February 5th, 2023 after a brief illness. A funeral mass in her honor was held on February 13th at St. Jude Parish in Ocala, with Father Raul Valdez officiating.

The daughter of Cecil and Betty Miller, Gay was born in Columbia SC on October 17, 1947 and spent much of her childhood in Springfield IL along with brothers Dennis and Mike. She was introduced to Lawrence (Larry) Evaldi in 1966 by two mutual friends who arranged for them to meet on a blind date, and they married on June 21, 1969 in Buffalo NY. Throughout the years the couple moved to many locations in the country to follow Larry's career in the FBI, taking them to Houston TX, New York City, Miami FL and Gulfport MS before moving to Duck Hill MS upon Larry's retirement. They eventually moved to Ocala in 2006.

As a tireless supporter of animal rights, Gay never let a dog needing help go unprotected. She frequently went with her good friend, In Defense of Animals Southern States Director Doll Stanley, to rescue animals found living in deplorable conditions. Gay and Larry adopted a number of the rescued dogs that could not be placed elsewhere, providing loving homes for such lucky pups as Ace, Blue, Algernon, Daisy, Schnitzel, Blossom and Quigley.

Both Gay and Larry enjoyed traveling and visiting family and friends across the country, including trips to such places as Alaska and Italy with the Associates of Coach Bobby Bowden group of their beloved Florida State Seminoles. An avid collector, she enjoyed exploring antique malls that they would come across in their travels; Gay particularly loved anything holiday related and was well known for her large collection of festive Christmas decorations. She was also a talented knitter and crocheter, using her skills to make and donate colorful headgear for cancer patients, as well as frequently surprising friends and family with handmade gifts.

The daughter, wife and sister of FBI agents, Gay actively participated in the Mid Florida Chapter of the Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI, visiting and reminiscing with the many friends she and Larry had made during their long-standing connections with the Bureau.

Gay is survived by her husband of 53 years, Larry; brother Mike (Pam) Miller of Montclair VA; brothers-in-law Martin (Kaffie) Evaldi of Myrtle Beach SC; Ronald (Margaret) Evaldi of Sellersburg IN; Thomas Evaldi of Florence AL; sisters-in-law Carla Kapulka of Florence AL; Elvie (Sam) Guy of Gainesville FL; and many nieces, nephews, goddaughters, cousins, as well as countless life-long friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Cecil and Betty Miller, and brother Dennis.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to long-time friend Norma Jean Howard, who greatly assisted in Gay's terminal care.

Gay requested that any donations in her memory be given to Doll Stanley (P.O. Box 191, Winona MS 38967) to assist with her continued animal rescue efforts.

"Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much." Matthew 25:21