Gary Houston Shuler Jr.

Gary “Little Gary” Houston Shuler, Jr. passed away on August 20, 2025 at his home in Altha, Florida. He was born in Tallahassee on March 15, 1978. Known for being an avid hunter and fisherman, Gary learned these skills at his grandparents’ knees. He was a generous man, who loved to cook often for his family, friends, and community. Throughout his school years, he enjoyed playing baseball, especially as pitcher. One of the highlights of Gary’s baseball career was pitching in the 1996 State Championship Baseball Tournament. Gary was a lifelong resident of Calhoun and Liberty County, graduating from Liberty County High School in 1996. Afterwards, he attended Chipola College. Gary worked for the Florida Department of Corrections for ten years. During his tenure as a correctional officer, Gary served the counties of Gulf, Calhoun and Liberty. He attained the rank of lieutenant. He was known for his dedication and hard work, often logging 60+ hours per week. He enjoyed cooking for his colleagues, especially when there were special occasions hosted by the correctional facilities. Gary is gone too soon, but he will live on in the hearts of his family and friends. He is survived by his father Gary Shuler, Sr. (Kristine), and his mother Crista Darby (Charlie). He is also survived by his sister Carmen Sussman (Andrew), his brother Mark Shuler, and step- brothers, Mitchell Darnell (Alexis), Corey Darnell and Tommy Darnell, his stepsister Elizabeth Smith (Patrick), his uncles Robert Hill (Janna) and Rusty Hill (Kris), his nephews Simon, Nate, and Max Sussman, as well as many beloved cousins and friends. He is preceded in death by his grandparents A.M. and Louise Shuler, Clinton and Louise Hill, as well as his uncles, A.M. Shuler, Jr., James “Pot” Shuler (Jeane) and Ross Hill. A funeral service for Gary will be held on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. Visitation will be held at 10:00 EST/9:00 AM CST on Tuesday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Bristol, Florida, with the service following at 11:00AM EST/10:00 AM CST. The burial will take place at Pine Memorial Cemetery in Blountstown, Florida. Todd Wahlquist is assisting the family with their arrangements (850-385-2193, www.bevisfh.com).

Tributes

Gary Houston Shuler Jr.

March 15, 1978 - August 20, 2025