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Gary Bruce Reed
2/6/2023
It is with heavy hearts, that we inform family, friends and those who have known and been known to Gary, that he found peace eternal after his lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s on Monday, February 6, 2023.
Gary has made memories and bonds with people far beyond our family’s reach, starting in his birthplace: McLeansboro, Illinois. 1973 would be the beginning of his dedicated service and
career with MickeyD’s. Alongside his co-workers and employees, Gary aligned himself and his
life with his McFamily, McFriends and the communities, in which, they served together,
throughout central Florida. In October 2015, along with his wife and business partner, Gary’s 42
years of McService, came to an end, in Deland, Florida.
Soon after his work life was celebrated in retirement, the Alzheimer’s diagnosis had evolved, and his dementia journey began. Gary progressively lost his rationality, his love for his hobbies,
fast cars and cinema, travel and computer gaming, his memory and most recently physical
activity.
But Gary didn’t lose everything. He never lost his sense of humor or love for his community.
Ever the professional, he greeted the folks around him, each day, with a firm handshake and a
McSmile. Most importantly, Gary never lost the love and care from his family and was courageously and proudly supported by his wife of 49 years, until the very end.
Gary has found peace and for that we are grateful. Our family would like to personally thank Sarah McCafferty and the caregivers and medical professionals at Gentiva aka Kindred Hospice
and Certus Senior Living, for gently and respectfully guiding our family and Gary through this difficult time.
Memorial services have not been arranged and our family asks for understanding and patience as we navigate the grieving process. In lieu of sympathies we ask that those who are able,
place donations, in Gary’s honor to a preferred Hospice or Alzheimer’s non-for-profit, for that
matter, any non-for-profit that speaks to your heart.
Gary didn’t lose everything, and we haven’t lost Gary. He will live on in our hearts and memories, photos and stories. We hope you have a moment or thought about Gary that keeps his life’s story from fading too soon. We encourage and appreciate those who would like to
share those here for all to enjoy, laugh over and celebrate! We only ask that you please take a
moment to reflect on his incredible life and the good times. There were SO many good times!
RIP Dad