He had fought many health problems in the last few years and rose above them but failed to overcome this one. He passed away while at Advent Health ICU.
Gary was born in Nashville, TN but lived most of his life in Florida. He was always a hard worker beginning as a young teen at an egg farm then moving to Publix at 16 years of age where he opened and managed the largest store in the Orlando area. He retired from Publix after 30+ years and became self-employed opening and managing a Mail Boxes Etc. for 3 years. He then moved back into the grocery management at the Navy Exchange retiring again in 2014 from there because of an illness. In his rare downtime he enjoyed football, golf, and being with family.
He was a great husband, father and grandfather whose presence will be greatly missed.
Gary is survived by his wife of 46 years, Shirley Dykes Warren, two children Andrea Ortiz (Junior Ortiz) and Stephen Warren (Tiffany Warren), five grandchildren Jeremy Ortiz, Julien Ortiz, Anissa Ortiz, Austin Warren, and Brianna Warren; his sister Shirley Brigman (Dennis) and a brother Stanley Warren (Teresa).
We will celebrate his life on Saturday, October 5 at First Baptist Church of Winter Garden, 125 E Plant St., Winter Garden, FL 34787, with visitation at 10 a.m. and the funeral service at 11 a.m. with Pastor Tim Grosshans officiating.
