Gary R. Sligar

Gary was born in Wichita, Kansas to Robert and June (Reed) Sligar. They raised Gary and his younger brother Randy while living in Kansas, Colorado, Phoenix, and Tulsa. Gary graduated from Memorial High School in 1968 and Tulsa University in 1972.

Following college, Gary worked with his father in the mortgage business, where he earned his real estate appraisal accreditations. Early in his career, he managed large commercial properties, initially in Tulsa and then relocated to Dallas on a national scale, and eventually internationally. During this period, he served in various executive positions in Dallas, New York City, and finally in Atlanta. The meteoric rise in his career led him to create and grow one of the world’s largest commercial property services companies, Compass Management and Leasing.

Gary was accustomed to hard work his entire life, from his beginnings as a newspaper carrier at age 12 to one of the most admired and respected real estate executives in the country. He was a visionary. Gary literally raised the bar in his industry through employee empowerment, customer service, and leading-edge technology. He was loved by his employees and respected by his competitors. He built his company from scratch. After an unprecedented 10-year run, it had become a world leader with 200 million square feet under management, operating with 1500 employees on 5 continents. His customer base included an enviable list of international clients including AT&T, Bank of America, Equitable Life, British Government, and hundreds of individual property owners. He became a sought-after speaker, lecturer, and author throughout his career.

Gary had many special lifelong friends and business partners. He shared many adventures, golf achievements, and memories with those he enjoyed throughout his life. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend.

Gary was a great man. He was humble, kind, respectful, generous, loyal, and his love was unconditional. He will be missed by all!

Gary is survived by his three children, Lori, Lisa, and Reed; his two grandchildren, Taylor and Cameron; his brother Randy; sister-in-law Sherri; and his nephews Jordan (Rachel), and Dillon.

Those wanting to celebrate Gary’s life can make a donation to the building and restoration fund at First Baptist Church, Downtown Sarasota, 1661 Main Street, Sarasota, FL 34236.