Gary Thomas Hagler

March 24, 1959 - August 19, 2025

On March 24, 1959, Gary Thomas Hagler was born, the youngest child of Julia and Jack Hagler.  He died Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at the age of 66 after a brief illness.

Gary attended Cove Elementary, Jinks Junior High and was a graduate of Bay County High School, class of 1977.  Following in the Hagler tradition, Gary was employed at the Panama City Papermill for 43 years as a Control Room Operator in the Pulp Mill.

Gary knew the Lord and was baptized on December 29, 1968 by Pastor Bill Hickem at First Baptist Church Panama City. Gary was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved, Teresa Barefoot.  He is survived by his sister Allison and husband Paxton Mizell, brother Frank Hagler and wife Pamela. Nieces and nephews Kristina Mizell Williams (Curtis), Mary Hagler, Jack Hagler (Jennifer), and Jared Mizell. He was also blessed with great nieces and nephews, Gracen Scott Williams, Hannah, Bailey and Ethan Buchenhorst and Bristol, Warren and Jaxon Hagler.

Gary never had any children of his own, but he was blessed with the love of Teresa and her son Christopher.  Left to cherish his memory are Christopher Barefoot and wife Brandi along with their children- Aiden and Nolan, who loved their Papa dearly.

Gary had a larger-than-life personality and a gift for bringing laughter wherever he went. He loved spending time on the water—whether it was fishing for flounder from his boat or enjoying sunny days at Shell Island with family and friends. A devoted Florida State Seminoles fan, Gary rarely missed a game and proudly wore his garnet and gold. Known as a jokester with an incredible sense of humor, he had a way of making everyone around him feel special. Family, friends, and coworkers will deeply miss his laughter, kindness, and unforgettable spirit.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 22, 2025, at 2 p.m. in the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Rick McClung and Reverend Neil Hickem officiating. Asked to serve as pallbearers Gregory Anderson, Mark Holman, Warren Middlemas, Andy Poole, Joey Segovia and Bill Silcox.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 12-2 p.m. prior to the service.  Following the service, a private family burial will take place at Greenwood Cemetery.