Geary Stanford Fitzgerald, 81

Geary was born in Portland, Oregon, on August 20th, 1942, to Ernest S. Fitzgerald and Geraldine Smith Fitzgerald.

He graduated from Gresham High School, class of 1960, and enlisted in the Navy that same year. He served for 2 years based in San Diego, California. Geary started a family and they moved to Jacksonville, Florida in 1968.

Many years later, he relocated to Lakeland, Florida and met his lovely wife, Marylyn. They were married in 1983 and enjoyed 41 cherished years together. During that time, they made several moves to be closer to family members. They returned to Jacksonville in the late 80’s and moved to his beloved home state of Oregon in 1993, where Geary worked at a major truck manufacturing plant and was a member of the Teamsters Union. He retired in 2004 and they bought an RV. For three years, Geary and Marylyn made wonderful memories traveling and RVing across the country with family and friends. They then decided to move back to Florida in 2007 to live out the remainder of their retirement together.

Geary was dearly loved by his children Leslie, Cindy, Gary, Candice, and Mary, grandchildren Dusty, Tabitha, Kelly, Phillip, Victoria, Tristan, Ian, Julia, Michael, Mandy, Leslie, Lillie, Maci, and Jordyn, along with fourteen more precious great grandchildren and one great-great grand baby.

He is survived by one brother, Steve Smothers and many adored nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by three siblings Patty Johnson, Nancy Johnson, and David Smothers.

Geary enjoyed many hobbies and activities, including golfing, bowling, and racquetball in his younger years. He also loved growing vegetables, fishing, hunting, woodworking, horsemanship, sporting clays, RV’ing, and spending time with family. He and Marylyn always worked hard to make a beautiful home. One of their favorite hobbies was to create handmade gifts together and give them to family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, May 25, 2024 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Stuart Center, 1702 S. Holland Pkwy. Bartow, FL 33830. In lieu of flowers, please share your favorite photos and special memories of Geary. He will be dearly missed.

Condolences may be sent to the family at Gentry Morrison Funeral Home.