Gary Michael Plyler

On June 12, 2022 at 11:15 am our beloved Husband, Father, Son-In-Law, Brother, Uncle,”Pops” and Friend, Gary Michael Plyler, age 64, passed away peacefully in the arms of our Lord and Savior. Born to Peter and Norma Jean Plyler on May 31st, 1958; he was a lifelong resident of Crestview, Florida. Gary was a Bulldog Quarterback at Crestview Highschool, graduating in 1976. He attended PJC for 1 year, later deciding to join the United States Airforce, where he proudly served for 6 years. Gary was an avid sports fanatic, and was even recruited to play for the United States Airforce Traveling Softball Team. He later returned to his hometown of Crestview and became a greenskeeper due to his passion for golf and the great outdoors! He was a landscaper for many years. He loved keeping God’s landscape beautiful! His gift and passion was playing golf and he loved sharing this passion with his son. He loved playing fast pitch softball and played for many years on the Crestview men’s league as well as on a church league in Crestview.  He loved sharing his passion for the game with his children and the  younger generation, so he dedicated his time to coaching  Crestview Little League baseball.  In addition, he also coached Senior Girl’s  BAYA Softball League in Baker. He was an avid, die hard Seminole fan who watched and followed the Noles never missing a game!  He also, was avid attending his Alma Mater,CHS, football games every year. If he couldn’t actually attend the game he would be found listening to the game on the local radio station. Gary was a devoted, loving husband to his wife, Nancy, of 27 years and a devoted and loving father to his 2 beautiful children, Krystal & Christopher. He he loved more than anything spending time with each and every family member individually and collectively.  He was a very kind hearted, gentle man.  Two main words to describe him was patient and a very humble man! He loved the Lord and was a man of Christian faith. Sadly, on April 7th, he was diagnosed with liver cancer and liver disease and began to fight cancer for the 5th battle. He had beaten cancer 4 previous times. He went optimistically into this to fight the good fight a 5th time, which he truly did fight the good fight, and NEVER gave up or complained. He went to MD Anderson in Houston, Texas to get treatments to beat this,but sadly treatment was not an option due to we found out he was in end stage liver failure. He then wished to come back home to his hometown. His wish was granted through the financial support of loved ones and people who graciously donated to help get him back to Florida via medical ambulatory service. He arrived to Florida on Friday, June 10th. He knew he was back home. He passed peacefully in the arms of Jesus on Sunday, June 12th. He fought the good fight!!!!
Gary is preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Buna Mae Steele, paternal grandparents Mr. & Mrs. Frank Plyler, his parents, Peter & Norma Jean Plyler, and a brother He never knew because he was stillborn at birth.
Gary is survived by his wife of 27 years, Nancy, his daughter, Krystal & fiance Joseph, his son, Christopher, his mother and father in law, Philip & Patsy Kent, his brother in laws, Clay Kent & Brad Kent, Sister in law, Sharon Kent, nephews, Austin Kent & Jon Crespillo, nieces, Edith Kent and Veronica Blankenship, Great- nephew, Easton Rhett Kent. Special God grafted grandchildren who called him Pops, Ryleigh, Gabriel & Adin Sterbaggi, a very special God given Sister & friend, Kim Davis. A very special God given Brother & friend, Troy Tyree and a very special God given nieces, Stephanie Davis & Christy Mooney, a very special God given Sister & Friend, Julie Howell- Clemmer, Aunt Yvonne Steele & cousins Rodney Steele & wife and family,Russell & Laura Steele and children and many friends.
Celebration of Gary’s life will be on Saturday, June 18, 2022 from 3:00-5:00pm from the Chapel of Brackney Funeral Home, 480 East James Lee Blvd, Crestview, Florida.  In honor of Gary’s love for FSU football, please feel free to wear garnet and gold casual attire.