Gary E. Boone

Gary E. Boone, 71, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s and cancer, transitioned to his heavenly home Sunday, July 2, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.  He was a devoted husband, dad, grandpa and friend to many.  He is survived by his wife of forty-five years, Paula White Boone; daughter Niki Sparks (Steven); grandchildren Jackson and Caroline Branch, and Charlie Beth and Tucker Sparks; brother Charlie Boone (Becky), and many extended family members.

Born February 14, 1952, in Frederick, Maryland, he moved to Florida as a child where his family eventually settled in Tallahassee.  He learned at an early age his hard work ethic.  Along with his dad, mom and brothers, Gary would drive to Thomasville early each morning to pick up newspapers, Tampa Tribune and Atlanta Journal, and they would run their paper routes before high school.  He attended Blessed Sacrament Catholic School and graduated from Leon High School.  Gary worked at several plumbing supply companies in Tallahassee—E&E, Prescott Supply, Standard Plumbing and Gorman Company, until he went on to get his master plumber’s license.  He owned and ran Boone Enterprises until Alzheimer’s forced his retirement.

Gary loved music and played both guitar and drums.  A hot rod enthusiast, he also loved classic cars and often told stories of the many different cars he owned throughout his younger years.  In 1977, his Dodge Charger caught the eye of a pretty young lady, Paula, working the drive-thru at Flagship Bank.  They married in 1978 and enjoyed forty-five years of a loving marriage.

In 1981 they were blessed with a beautiful daughter, Nicole Marie Boone, who captured his heart and became daddy’s little girl.  Gary was a hard-working, dependable, tender-hearted husband and dad who provided for all of his family’s needs.  He had a special place in his heart for his animals, and he could often be found with one of them in his lap.  His kind spirit showed even more when he became a grandpa, and he stole as many hugs and kisses from his grandchildren as he could get.  Gary’s love for his wife, daughter and grandchildren was immeasurable.  Faith and family were his priorities.  He served his Lord as a member of Leon Ebenezer Baptist Church, and he loved his church family dearly.  Gary will be remembered for his warm smile, laughter and helpful spirit.

Gary was preceded in death by his father and mother, Joseph Charles Andrey and Katherina Thielen Boone; brother Larry Boone; and father-in-law O’Neal White.

Visitation with the family will be held Thursday, July 13, 2023, at 5:00 p.m., and Gary’s celebration of life will immediately follow at 6:00 p.m., at Leon Ebenezer Baptist Church, 8453 Blountstown Highway, Tallahassee, Florida, 32310.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Big Bend Hospice in his honor or simply pay a kind deed forward.

Faith Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements (850.539.4300 or www.faithfuneralhome.com).