Gary Dale Race

Gary was born October 9, 1953 in Rock Island, IL to Vern and Helen Sumane Race. He was raised in Rock Island, IL and graduated from Rock Island High School in 1971. He joined the US Navy in 1972 serving at Great Lakes Naval Base.

Gary married Georgette Johnson in 1980 and had a son, Cody Race. He remarried Kimberly Anderson in 2008 until her untimely passing in November 2023. Gary made the journey to Florida to be near his son Cody and his grandchildren Lizette and Caleb in March of 2024.

Gary is survived by his son Cody Race, sisters Patricia Ochs (Larry), Nancy Pugh (Bernard), Marcia Risden and brother Mark Race (Jamie), Kim’s children Michael Borek (Naomi), Lianne Fagnant (Dennis), Andrew Borek (Jennifer), and grandchildren Alixandra, Daniel, Lizette, Katelynn, Eva, Tatum, Emma, and Caleb as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Gary was preceded by his wife Kimberly, his father Vern Race, his mother Helen Sumane Race and step-mother Patricia Achilles Race.

Gary was a talented sound technician who worked with many bands in the Quad Cities and throughout his years in Colorado. He owned Midwest Audio Repair in Davenport, IA and GDR Systems in Denver, Colorado.

Gary’s love of music was one of his main passions in life. He also loved spending time exploring the mountains of Colorado and was excited to explore the beaches of Florida. He also loved fishing and sports. His beloved dog Angus was his best buddy and travel companion. He volunteered at the VA hospital in Denver and was getting involved in the Parrot Outreach Society and the Friendship United Methodist Church in Punta Gorda, FL.

Gary will be remembered as a loving son, brother, father, husband and grandfather. In one of his last statements he said he was content living in Florida and was happy to find a favorite restaurant with great clam chowder, a nice coffee shop and was so happy to have his grand-daughter helping with his lawn.

Services for Gary will be held on Tuesday July 30, 2024 at 10am at Friendship United Methodist Church in Punta Gorda.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

Gary’s church where services will be held:

Friendship United Methodist Church (Give | Friendship United Methodist Church (friendshipumcpuntagorda.com)

Gary’s local volunteering passion:

Parrot Outreach Society located at 1205 Elizabeth St Suite I Punta Gorda, FL 33950 where Gary was excited to volunteer (https://parrotoutreachsociety.org/donate/) or call 941-347-8876.

Gary’s other contributions:

Andrew Wommack Ministries (Home - Andrew Wommack Ministries (awmi.net)