Gary Albert Rue

Gary Albert Rue, age 79, of New Smyrna Beach, passed peacefully on Saturday, November 18, 2023, surrounded by his family after a 10 year long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease and a year of neck cancer.  Gary was born in Minerva (Canton) Ohio. His family then moved to Florida where he grew up in Eustis FL. Later he moved to Longwood FL and then retired to New Smyrna Beach.  

A former president and marketing representative at Marketing Concepts; Gary also had worked raising cows and as a banker.  He was a member of Wekiva Presbyterian Church, and past president of the Central Florida Chapter of the Institute of Banking.  Gary played football and basketball in high school along with playing the clarinet in the Eustis High School band.  He continued playing basketball in college.  Gary enjoyed golfing, hunting, and fishing. After his retirement Gary enjoyed sitting on the front porch watching the birds and the ocean. He also enjoyed going on walks and working out at the YMCA. He and his wife, Kathie loved traveling to Seattle, Washington, Maine, Alaska, Hawaii, and Europe.  Gary loved spending time with his family and friends and we all enjoyed hearing him tell stories of the many adventures he had over the years.

Survivors include his wife of 27 years, Kathie; a daughter, Kelly (David) Butterfield of Eustis; 3 sons, Greg Rue of Tavares, Brannon (Erin) Rue of Oviedo, and Ryan (Gina) Rue of Sanford; a step son, Jason Shrum of Nashville, TN; 3 step daughters, Kimberly (Mike) Dixson of Longwood, Lori (Steve Nekon) Mirisola of Longwood, and Lana (Brett) Austin of Aledo, TX; a brother, David (Sheila) Rue of Tavares; a brother in law, Ron (Carol Walker) Hunter of Norfolk, VA; 15 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. He is also survived by his 2 former wives, Linda Shipic and Beanie Rue.

Memorial service will be 2:00 p.m., Monday, December 4, 2023 at Settle-Wilder Funeral Home, with Dr. Gordon Meier officiating.  Friends will be received from 1:00 p.m. until the service.    

The family would like to say a special thank you to the staff at CERTUS Memory Care and Gentiva Hospice.

Donations may be made in Gary’s name to: Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org) or the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org). 

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