Gary Taylor Miner

Gary Taylor Miner, 84, of The Villages, Florida, formerly of Erie, Pennsylvania, passed away on January 5, 2026. Gary went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, surrounded by the promise of eternal life. God had a plan and a purpose—Gary listened. Praise God.

Born on November 14, 1941, in Erie, Pennsylvania. From a young age, he was known for his confidence, boldness, and unmistakable sense of humor. He lived life on his own terms, always pushing boundaries with charm rather than rebellion, and bringing laughter wherever he went.

Gary proudly served in the United States Army Reserve, enlisting while working in Erie during his early career. Though prepared to serve in Vietnam, he was never deployed when circumstances changed. His commitment to service and discipline remained a defining part of his character.

He built a successful and fulfilling professional life. He began his career as a shoe salesman, which led to managing clothing stores including Richmond Brothers and Robert Hall Clothes in Erie, Jamestown, New York, and Warren, Ohio. Later, through encouragement from a close friend at church, Gary and his beloved wife Carol relocated to Illinois, where he worked for Ditch Witch before purchasing and growing his own business, Trench-All, a trench replacement parts company based in Batavia, Illinois. Gary took great pride in his work and his entrepreneurial spirit.

Sports were a lifelong passion for Gary—especially baseball and softball. From the age of eight into his seventies, sports remained a constant joy. He once even had a tryout with the Pittsburgh Pirates. In The Villages, Gary stayed active by managing, coaching, and umpiring softball, forming many lasting friendships along the way. He also enjoyed golf and community life.

Gary accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and was deeply rooted in his faith. His final years in The Villages brought him immense joy through church involvement, small groups, neighbors, and friendships that became like family. He was especially grateful for the love, prayers, and support shown by his church community, friends, and extended family.

Above all else, Gary was devoted to his family. He was married to the love of his life, Carol, for 63 years. Together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and faith.

Gary is survived by his wife, Carol; his son, Tod Miner and fiancée Susana Abud of Illinois; his daughter, Heather Hansen, and her husband Kenley of Wisconsin; and his cherished grandchildren, Morgan Hansen, Max Hansen, Madison Hansen, and Sydney Hansen. He is also survived by his brother, Milton Miner, and wife Rosemary of New York; his sister, Marilee Agostini, and husband Louie of Erie, Pennsylvania; nieces and nephews Kelly Foster (and husband Tay), James, Kenneth, Jeffery, and Nate all of whom affectionately called Gary their favorite uncle for his “magic tricks” and contagious laughter.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Judy Kucharski and Carolee Goetz; and extended family members who welcomed him home in Heaven

Gary will be remembered for his kindness, unwavering faith, strong work ethic, and unforgettable sense of humor. He had a gift for making people laugh and feel welcome, leaving a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Village View Community Church Benevolence Fund, 8585 SE 147th Place, Summerfield, Florida 34491.

GOD IS SO, SO GOOD.