Gary Goff

Gary Dalton Goff passed away on Jan. 4, 2022, in Jacksonville, Florida, at the age of 70.

Born and raised in Suwannee County, Florida, Gary maintained strong ties with the community and, in particular, his classmates from SHS – Class of 1969, where he served as class president. He later attended Lake City Community College, again serving as president of the student government. Gary completed his education at the University of Florida in 1974, earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism.  He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and a loyal Gator fan.

Gary was born to John D. and Ruby Goff and raised on the family farm in McAlpin. Gary cherished his rural upbringing and was very active in FFA and 4-H, enjoying lifelong friendships and winning numerous competitions. Gary is survived by his sister, MaryAnn Payne, and brothers Lavelle (Linda) and Jerry (Montina).

Gary enjoyed a career in commercial printing and was known for his exceptional dedication to his customers and co-workers. He retired from Drummond Press in Jacksonville in 2011 due to serious health concerns and, in February of 2012, was given the Gift of Life through a double-lung transplant at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville. Gary became a strong advocate for organ donation, sharing his story with presentations to local high school students and supporting “Team Mayo” in the Katie Ride for Life.  Gary honored his donor and the family by maintaining good health and respect for the directions and medical care provided to him by the lung transplant team. His family gained nearly 10 more years and two additional grandchildren with their beloved Papa. Gary is survived by his wife of 47 years, Patricia, and daughter, Eileen (Craig) Livingston, and son, Joseph (JoAnna), who are comforted knowing his strong faith has assured him a place in heaven.

The family will receive guests at Quinn-Shalz Family Funeral Home in Jacksonville Beach from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022. A memorial service is planned at Neptune Baptist Church in Neptune Beach on Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2022, at 11 a.m. He will be interred at Pinemount Baptist Church in McAlpin, Florida, at a later date. Donations may be made in Gary’s honor to: FL Transplant Center-Lung Charity Fund, Mayo Clinic, Dept of Development, 200 First St, SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, https://philanthropy.mayoclinic.org/donateMC