Gary Taylor Miner, 84, of The Villages, Florida, formerly of Erie, Pennsylvania, passed away on January 5, 2026. Gary went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, surrounded by the promise of eternal life. God had a plan and a purpose. Gary listened. Praise God!

Gary was born on November 14, 1941, in Erie, Pennsylvania. From a young age, he was known for his confidence, boldness, and an unmistakable sense of humor. He lived life on his own terms, always pushing boundaries with charm rather than rebellion, and bringing laughter wherever he went.

Gary proudly served in the United States Army Reserves, enlisting while working in Erie during his early career. Though all packed up to serve in Vietnam, he was never deployed when circumstances changed. His commitment to service and discipline remained a defining part of his character.

He built a successful and fulfilling professional life. He began his career as a shoe salesman, which led to managing clothing stores including Richmond Brothers and Robert Hall Clothes in Erie, Jamestown, New York, and Warren, Ohio. Later, through encouragement from a close friend at church, Gary and his beloved wife Carol relocated to Illinois, where he worked for Ditch Witch before purchasing and growing his own business, Trench-All, a trencher replacement parts company based in Batavia, IL. Gary took great pride in his work and his entrepreneurial spirit.

Sports were a lifelong passion for Gary, especially baseball and softball. From the age of eight and into his seventies, sports remained a constant joy. He once even had a tryout with the Pittsburgh Pirates. In The Villages, Gary stayed active by playing, managing, coaching, and umpiring softball, forming many lasting friendships along the way. He also enjoyed golf and community life.

Gary’s final years in The Villages brought him immense pleasure through church involvement, small groups, neighbors, and friendships that became like family. He was especially grateful for the love, prayers, and support shown by his church community, friends, and extended family during his illness.

Above all else, Gary was devoted to his family. He was married to the love of his life, Carol, for 63 years. He is survived by Carol, his son, Tod Miner and fiancée, Susana Abud of Illinois, and his granddaughter, Morgan Hansen. Gary is also survived by his brother, Milton Miner and wife Rosemary, of New York; his sister, Marilee Agostini, and husband Louie of Erie, Pennsylvania; nieces and nephews Kelly Foster and husband Tay, Kenneth and Debi Regenor, Jeffrey, and Nate of Erie, and James and Sherece Regenor of New York, all of whom affectionately called Gary their favorite uncle for his “magic tricks” and contagious laughter.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Judy Kucharski and Carolee Goetz; and extended family members who welcomed him home in Heaven.

Gary will be remembered for his kindness, strong work ethic, and unforgettable sense of humor. He had a gift for making people laugh and feel welcome, leaving a lasting impression on everyone he met.