Garry Lee Wharton

Garry graduated from Ohio University in 1958 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree and was a very popular Phi Kappa Tau. In 1961 he received a Juris Doctor degree from the Ohio State University Law School.

Our handsome father met a beautiful, petite blonde named Marcia on a blind date. They married in 1960 and started their journey in Westerville, Ohio where they resided for over 40 years. They soon welcomed daughter Marci (Houff) and later son Steven.

Garry started as a young attorney at the Motorists Mutual Insurance Company (now Encova Insurance) in the subrogation department. He quickly “climbed the ladder of success” and retired as Senior Vice President, Secretary and Corporate Counsel. Additionally, he was a member of the Columbus and Ohio State Bar Association and a member of the Society of CPCU. Garry spent over 37 years at Motorist and was a colleague, mentor and friend to many at Motorists and in the insurance industry. He also remained on the Board of Directors for many years into his retirement.

Garry and Marcia made the smart decision to spend part of retirement in Sarasota, Florida. They soon decided to become Floridians where they lived and thrived for over twenty years. Garry’s next “career” was with the Palmer Ranch Master Property Owners Association which includes over 14,000 homes. He spent over ten years in the positions of President of both Silver Oak and Palmer Ranch and remained an active and vocal board member. His many contributions included the Legacy Trail Crossings, the Palmer Ranch Community Center, and many other enhancement projects. His kids and granddaughter Marissa fondly remember our dad’s tours through the neighborhood where he pointed out all the wonderful improvements.

Our father was special. We were taught many important life lessons such as life is not always fair but to look at the glass as half full. Garry never met a stranger and it could be annoying when he talked to everyone in the line at Publix. He was a true renaissance man; extremely well read, a talented writer, a mean poker player, a wine enthusiast and an expert at growing his lovely orchids. He also loved golf and although he had to give it up due to a back injury, his license plate read 4HLZN1.

Garry was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Marcia and his sister Betty Wharton Frankenberry. He is survived by his daughter Marci Houff, son Steven Wharton, son-in law Dr. Stephen Houff and granddaughter, Marissa.

Garry supported many charities over his lifetime and quietly helped people in need. He particularly believed in the Southeastern Guide Dogs ( guidedogs.org ) and his daughter’s ovarian cancer work with the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center ( Chicawearness.org.) if you wish to make a donation in his name.

A Celebration of Life takes place in July for family and close friends. On-line condolences can be made at www.wiegandbrothers.com

We will miss our father greatly, yet take solace and comfort in that he is now with Marcia (Shasha) in heaven. We know that he is telling her it is 5 o’clock somewhere and to have his gin and tonic ready.