Gary Wayne Read's Obituary
Gary Wayne Read, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully after a courageous 15½-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was a man of boundless energy, charisma, and a contagious laugh that could light up any room. Gary’s life was a testament to resilience, passion, and love.
Born into aviation, Gary’s love for flight began early. He earned his pilot’s license at just 15 years old and never looked back. He was a passionate and innovative aviator who built and restored experimental airplanes alongside his father, George Read Jr. Gary especially loved open cockpit flying and spent countless joyful hours in the skies above Albert Whitted Airport in St. Petersburg and 12 Oaks Air Estates in Hernando, Florida. His enthusiasm for aviation inspired many others to take to the skies.
Gary was also a car enthusiast in his early years, owning and loving many muscle cars. His professional journey began as a draftsman in the marine field, working on bridges. He later transitioned into supermarket store planning, design, and construction management, eventually moving into equipment sourcing and sales.
Gary was preceded in death by his father, George Read Jr.; his mother, Phyllis Read; and his beloved daughter, Crystal Read. The loss of Crystal in 2018 was a profound sorrow that he endured.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 47 years, Debra “Debbie” Read, whom he met as a teenager at Pantry Pride Grocery Store in St. Pete. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and perseverance. He is also survived by his son, Travis Read, and daughter-in-law Andrea; his brother, Gregory Read, and Gregory’s fiancée, Joan Sanford-Champaign; and his cherished grandchildren: Theodore, Oliver, Benjamin, and Adaline. Gary also leaves behind three nephews—Michael, Patrick, and Jonathan—one great-nephew, Aidan, two great-nieces, Gabrielle and Halle, and numerous cousins, aunts, and uncles.
Gary was deeply involved in his children’s lives, especially in their sports, and in recent years, he found immense joy in spending time with his grandchildren. His friendly, confident, and humorous nature made him a joy to be around, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Despite the challenges of Parkinson’s, Gary faced much of his battle with courage, determination, and a positive attitude, embodying the spirit of a true fighter.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Gary’s memory to the Michael J. Fox Foundation to support Parkinson’s research and the search for a cure:
Donate to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research
To honor Gary’s vibrant spirit, the family asks that those attending his funeral please wear happy, colorful clothing. Gary brought light and joy to so many—let us celebrate his life in the same way he lived it.
Gary Wayne Read’s life was a beautiful flight—full of adventure, love, and purpose. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
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