Gary Stephen Thompson Sr.

Gary Stephen Thompson Sr. passed away in the arms of his wife, Sherri of 40 years on March 24, 2017. He grew up as a fourth generation local native of Everglades City, FL where he loved the outdoors and always wanted to be out on the water. Gary was a fishing guide for 30 plus years and was known as the top guide in Everglades City. Besides fishing he loved spending time with his grandchildren and showing them how to hunt, fish, and enjoy the beauty of the Everglades. Gary also worked with his son, Gary Jr. and grandson, Alex as an airboat tour guide with their business, Down South Airboat Tours. While working as a guide in the Everglades he touched the lives of everyone he came in contact with, after talking to him for two minutes he would immediately become your friend and always had a smile on his face and would do anything to help someone in need. Gary was a special kind of person, he never showed his sadness and he always had a positive attitude and was ready to listen if you needed to talk. Gary was a great man who was loved by all his family and friends and will be missed dearly. If Gary could give you one last piece of advice he would say love unconditionally, don't hold grudges, and never walk away mad, tomorrow isn't promised so make the best of today so you have no regrets and know you are right with God. Remember Gary as the man who always made the most of life and always had a smile on his face. We know that he is in heaven fishing with his friends and family. One day we will all be together and when that day comes he will be waiting with a big smile on his face.

Services will be held at Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens (525 111th Avenue North, Naples, FL 34108) on Saturday, April 1st, 2017 with a Visitation at 9AM and a Celebration of Life beginning at 10:30AM.

In lieu of flowers, please send native flowering plants that can be planted in his memorial garden or mail donations to (240 McBeth Way, Copeland, FL 34137).