Garrett Eugene "Gary" Croyle

Garrett Eugene “Gary” Croyle, Sr., age 91, died December 17, 2022 at his home following an extended illness. Gary was born in New Kensington, PA, son of the late William J. and Garnett Croyle. He graduated from Freeport High School in Freeport, PA and excelled in athletics, especially football. Upon graduating high school Gary enlisted in the U.S. Navy, proudly serving his country during the Korean Conflict from 1951 until his discharge in 1954. He then enrolled in Penn West Clarion Teachers College where he received his degree in mortuary science. He began his funeral career working for funeral homes in New Kensington and Bradford, PA. In 1957 Gary moved with his family to Ft. Lauderdale to begin employment with Fannin Funeral Home. He later started working for the late R. J. Kraeer, serving as a location manager for Kraeer Funeral Home, Ft. Lauderdale chapel. In 1972 Gary fulfilled a life-long dream of owning his own funeral home, acquiring Garcia-McGrath Funeral Home which was located at the corner of Cordova and Saragossa Streets in downtown St. Augustine and then became Croyle Funeral Home. He purchased the Andrew family home located at 209 S. Ponce de Leon Blvd and converted it to a funeral home in 1974. In 2001 he sold the funeral home to Randy Hudgins and George Kotrady. Not quite ready to fully retire Gary could still be found assisting them with services and families. Randy and George continued to operate at that location until 2008 when they built and moved into their new facility at 385 State Road 207, renaming it from Kotrady-Hudgins-Croyle Funeral Home to St. Johns Family Funeral Home. Gary loved to play golf and was a long time member of the St. Augustine Shores Men’s Golf Association; a former member of the St. Augustine Shrine Club, Ashlar Masonic Lodge #98 F&A.M., the Lions Club, the Exchange Club, and Elks Lodge #829. He was of the Christian faith. Funeral services will be held 7 p.m. Thursday December 22, 2022 at St Johns Family Funeral Home with Dr. Clarence Blalock officiating. A visitation, beginning at 5:00 p.m. will precede the service. A graveside committal with military honors will take place at 11:00 a.m. Friday December 23, 2022 at Pellicer Creek Cemetery. Flowers are gratefully declined and those wishing may make a contribution in his memory to Grace Community Church, 7040 US Route 1, St. Augustine, FL 32095. He is survived by his daughter, Susan Croyle and her husband Mike Flautt, St. Augustine; sister, Kay Huth, Orlando; 4 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, and numerous other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife and the love of his life for 53 years, Sally Croyle, son, Garrett E. “Gary” Croyle, Jr., and brothers Donald J. and William Croyle. St. Johns Family Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

Garrett Eugene "Gary" Croyle

April 13, 1931 - December 17, 2022