Gary G. Longmire Sr.

Gary was born in Kilgore, Texas on July 3, 1945 and always joked that July 4th was actually a celebration of his birth! He always found so much joy and humor in life.

While stationed at SIMA Mayport Naval Station, in 1973, he met and married Paulette Domenick Longmire of Homer City, PA and spent 46 years Loving her as she so Loved him.

Gary joined the United States Navy, fresh out of high school in 1963. While serving 23 years in the Navy, he worked his way up the ranks aboard the USS Bexar, USS Ranger, USS Newport, USS Belknap, SIMA Mayport Naval Station, USS Kalamazoo, USS Yosemite, SIMA Little Creek, and retired off the USS Dewey in 1986 having achieved the accolade of becoming a commissioned Chief Warrant Officer 4. He was awarded Two Navy Commendation Medals, a Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Two Armed Forces Expeditionary Medals, Four Vietnam Service Medals, a Vietnam Gallantry Cross Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and numerous letters of Accommodations.

Gary retired from the U.S. Navy in 1987 where he and Paulette returned to Jacksonville to raise their children. Gary then began his second career in the United States Merchant Marine, of which he once again retired with 20 years service as a Chief Engineer.

Gary was a member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church, A Master Mason at J Wendall Fargis Lodge, a member of the Beaches Shrine, Patriot Guard Rider, a member of the Widows Sons, American Legion, the American Legion Riders, a Lifetime Member of the Harley Owners Group, Brush Valley Antique Iron and Power Club and Red Barn Sportsman’s Club in PA. It is obvious that he was kind, caring and giving of himself with a passion for his family, friends, and fellow brothers. He enjoyed his family first and foremost, his motorcycles, antique tractors, hunting and his summer home in Pennsylvania.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, John and Pauline Longmire of Kilgore, Texas, his brothers Stanley, Larry, and Terry. He is survived by his wife, Paulette, his children Heather Longmire Mecka, and her husband Chet Mecka of New Jersey, Domenick Longmire of Jacksonville, Florida, Gary Longmire, Jr. of Jacksonville, Florida, Catherine Longmire of Jacksonville, Florida and two grandchildren, Anthony and Sarah Mecka. He is also survived by his sister, Linda Longmire Joyner, brother, Jerry Longmire, and many nieces and nephews in Pennsylvania and Texas.

Visitation with family will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, May 29, 2020, at the HARDAGE-GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME, 1701 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach, Florida. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2020 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 435 1st Ave. N., Jacksonville Beach, Florida. Immediately following Mass, there will be vehicular funeral procession to Lee Kirkland Cemetery, 2-30 Penman Rd. S., Jacksonville Beach, for a graveside service. All attendees will then be invited to celebrate Gary’s life at his home.