John Wesley Gary III

John Wesley Gary III, a beloved husband, devoted father, respected attorney, and pillar of his community, peacefully passed away at his home in North Palm Beach, Florida on June 22, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Eupora, Mississippi on May 19, 1943, the only child of John Wesley Gary II and Mozelle Liming Gary. John's life was a testament to hard work, compassion, and unwavering dedication to his family, friends, and profession.

John’s integrity, honesty, and southern charm were embedded in him while being raised in the small southern town of Eupora, Mississippi. He attended Eupora high school, where he lettered in four sports each year and was voted “Mr. Eupora High School.” He then attended the University of Mississippi, where he was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity, made lifelong friends and established an everlasting love for Oxford and Ole Miss. After graduating college, he decided to stay in Oxford to attend Ole Miss law school, graduating with honors. After law school, John joined the Judge Advocate General program of the United States Coast Guard and was stationed in New Orleans, Louisiana. It was there that he met the love of his life, and true soulmate, Elizabeth “Det” Donohue. In 1972, John married Det and together they shared over five decades of marriage filled with love, joy, and mutual support.

In 1972, John and Det relocated to North Palm Beach where he would spend the rest of his life. He founded the esteemed law firm of Gary, Dytrych & Ryan, where he tirelessly worked with integrity and compassion. To John, his legal career was not just a profession, but a passion rooted in his innate sense of family. Throughout his fifty year career, John was instrumental in numerous projects that shaped the development of Northern Palm Beach County. Additionally, he served as the attorney for the Port of Palm Beach, served on the Economic Council of Palm Beach County, and was a member of the Board of Directors of First American Bank and Trust.

John and Det were blessed with three daughters and three son-in-laws whom he cherished dearly: Lege (Bobby Hogan), Shannon (Blair Mendes), and Wesleigh (Chris Stewart). John's devotion to his daughters was unwavering, and he took immense pride in their accomplishments and happiness.

Family was at the heart of John's life, and he adored his eight grandchildren: Ellie, Trace, Wes, Campbell, Brooks, Cooper, Banks, and Mozie. He found immense joy in spending time with them and creating lasting memories. Poppies, as his grandchildren affectionately called him, lived to attend as many sporting events or performances of his grandkids as he possibly could. His family was the center of his world, and his love will live on through them.

Outside of his legal practice and family life, John was an avid sports fan. His passion for the Dolphins, Florida State football, and anything Ole Miss was one that led to many family road trips and some of the best memories we could hope for.

John will be remembered for his compassion, selflessness, and boundless love for his family and community. His legacy of integrity and humility will continue to inspire and guide all who were privileged to know him. May he rest in eternal peace, his spirit forever cherished in our hearts.

A visitation will be held Monday, July 1st at Howard-Quattlebaum Funeral, 754 US-1 North Palm Beach, FL from 4:00 PM-6:00 PM, and a funeral service will take place Tuesday, July 2nd at 12:00 PM St Paul of the Cross Catholic Church at 10970 Jack Nicklaus Drive. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in his name to Trustbridge Hospice Foundation, 5300 East Avenue, West Palm Beach FL, 33047 or Place of Hope, 9078 Isaiah Lane, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418.