Gary Wayne Jeffries

The world grew quieter on December 9, 2025, when Gary Jeffries, 72 of Hollywood FL, left us too soon. Gary was born in Greencastle, Indiana to Irene Smith Jeffries and Austin Jeffries on April 22, 1953. Gary was a graduate of Thornridge High School in Dolton, Illinois. He married the love of his life, Deborah Przybocki on November 20, 2004. At a young age, Gary started his own business, Econo Auto Painting where he was owner operator for over 30 years.

For those who knew him, Gary’s life was never meant to be contained—by fences, by expectations, or even by gravity.

Gary’s story began on the drag strip, where he pushed quarter-mile racers to their limits collecting a few trophies along the way. When the ground no longer felt like enough, he took to the water, racing boats up and down the East Coast collecting even more awards. And when even that couldn’t satisfy him, he took to the skies, earning his pilot’s license and proving yet again that boundaries were simply suggestions.

Gary was happiest outdoors—whether fishing, scuba diving, or simply being near the ocean. He was known for doing things most people would never even dream of trying, and he embraced every challenge with enthusiasm.

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Gary—true to form—refused to sit still. Reinventing himself once again, he launched a land-based boat transport business up and down the East Coast, where he continued to work actively and passionately.

Yet for all his adventures, Gary and Debbie’s greatest joy was family. Always looking forward to the next family vacation with his children. He loved being “Papa” to the grandchildren, and “Daddy” to Jack Russel’s Sammy and Gracie.

Gary was a true friend to everyone he met—generous, dependable, and larger than life. He took care of others without hesitation and touched countless lives along the way. His kindness, humor, and unshakable loyalty will be remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

When he wasn’t on the road or on the water, he found peace at home with Debbie, their dogs, and staying in touch with friends on Facebook.

Gary leaves behind a legacy of kindness, adventure, and unforgettable stories. Though he is no longer with us, the people he loved—and the people he helped—carry a part of him forward.

He will be profoundly missed.

Gary is preceded in death by parents Austin and Irene Jeffries, his brother Greg Jeffries, sister-in-law Cathy Disabato Jeffries and grandparents, Roy and Berniece Smith and Owen and Pearl Jeffries.

Gary is survived by his wife Debbie, his children Austin (Brittany) Jeffries, Nicholas (Marissa Chunn) Jeffries, Jonathan and Andrew, his sisters Cathy LaRocco and Sandi (Arthur) Nanni, and grandchildren Aiden, Ryker and Troy, along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

There will be a Celebration of Life gathering to honor Gary at Fred Hunter’s Funeral home located at 6301 Taft Street in Hollywood, FL on Thursday, December 18th, 2025, at 5pm.

In lieu of flowers please consider donations to be made in his honor with the American Cancer Society

https://www.cancer.org/