Gary Paul Wickless, 68, died unexpectedly on Sunday, December 31 at his home in Bostwick, Florida.

Gary was born on September 18, 1955 in Jacksonville, Florida to the late Charles "Buster" George Wickless and the late Sara Cathryn Ryan.

Gary and his family moved to Fernandina Beach in 1969 when Gary was 14 years old. He graduated from Fernandina Beach High School in 1973. After graduating and working various jobs, Gary began working with his father at Wickless Construction. Gary became a State Certified Building Contractor in 1990 and soon after purchased Wickless Construction from his father.

During high school and his younger adult years, Gary was an avid tennis player, even becoming the city champion at one point. Gary enjoyed many wonderful childhood summers with his "Aunt Betty" at her home on the St. John's River near Palatka. It was then that Gary developed a love of fishing, crabbing, and shrimping. He also enjoyed golfing, bowling, and was a PADI certified open water diver.

After semi-retiring, Gary and his wife, Patti, spent summers at their home in northern Minnesota near Patti's home town. Gary and Patti also enjoyed traveling in their RV exploring new places.

Gary leaves behind his wife, Patti, of 19 years, his three sons - Russell (Laine) Wickless of Atlanta, Georgia, Ryan Wickless of Fernandina Beach, Mitchell Wickless of Yulee, and Patti's four children - Tina Rayos of Bostwick, Florida, Rob (Alisia Pajevic) Whiting of Austin, Texas, Jeff Whiting and Cody Larson of Jacksonville; six grandchildren - Oliver, Isobel, Jerica, Zak, Rialy, and Mila; and a very special great-granddaughter Trinity. He also leaves behind two sisters - Sandie (Jack Tamul) Darling of Bristol, Rhode Island, and Cathy (Steve) Hendrix of Leesburg, Georgia.

The family will receive friends Monday, January 8, 2024 at Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors from 5:00 until 7:00 PM.