Gary Kent Mallard

Gary Kent Mallard, 86, of Brunswick, Georgia, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on February 15, 2026, in Brunswick, Georgia. He was born on December 17, 1939, in Jesup, Georgia. He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved son, Johnny Dutka.

Gary was a man defined by strength, integrity, humor, and unwavering devotion to his family. He retired from Georgia Pacific in 1994 after 30 years of dedicated service. He was a natural leader in all that he did, respected not because he sought recognition, but because he lived what he believed. His handshake meant something. His word was solid. He believed in doing things the right way and in working hard for what mattered most.

And what mattered most was always his family.

To those who loved him most, he was simply Daddy and Papa. Steady. Strong. Dependable. If something was broken, you took it to Daddy. If something needed building, he knew how. If something seemed impossible, he would quietly figure it out. Providing for his family was not just a responsibility. It was his purpose. He showed his love through action, through long days of work, through fixing what was broken, and through showing up every single time.

Daddy loved to tell jokes and get a good laugh. He was a master storyteller, the kind who could hold everyone’s attention and draw them in with every word. No matter how many times you heard the story, you never could get enough. He did not just tell stories. He relived them, bringing them to life with timing, expression, and heart. His laughter filled rooms, and his presence filled hearts.

His favorite advice was simple and sincere: “Always do what makes you happy and you will live a long and happy life.” And Daddy did just that. He lived fully, loved deeply, and led his family with quiet strength and fierce loyalty.

He leaves behind the love of his life, his devoted wife, Karla Mallard, and his children: MeLinda Mallard Beck; Donna DePollo (John); Mitch Dutka (Candice); and Brandi Mallard Lee (Mitchell). He was a proud grandfather to 11 grandchildren: Robert Gary Beck, Erica Botero, Briana Fitzgerald, Maegan Fields, Brody Dutka, Brett Dutka, Matthew Metty, Joch DePollo, Jenna DePollo, Jaedyn DePollo, and Maria Dutka; and a great grandfather to nine great-grandchildren. Each one is a living reflection of the life he built and the love he gave.

Though our hearts are heavy, we do not grieve without gratitude. We are grateful for the laughter that still echoes in our memories, for the stories that will be told again and again at family gatherings, and for the steady hands that built the life we now stand upon. Daddy showed us how to live with strength, humor, loyalty, and love. He worked hard, loved harder, and left this world surrounded by family and at peace.

The foundation he built cannot be shaken. His voice will live in our advice, his lessons in our choices, and his laughter in our homes. Every time we choose joy, just as he taught us, we honor him.

Well done, Daddy. We will carry you with us always.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. with the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at Edo Miller Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Taylor’s Methodist Church Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Tyler Fitzgerald, Josh Sizemore, Brody Dutka, Robert Gary Beck, Joch DePollo, and Matthew Petty.

Honorary pallbearers will be Mitchell Lee and Brett Dutka.