Gayle Dean Bickers

Gayle Dean Bickers, 72, of Dunnellon, Florida died at 4:15 a.m. Monday, November 7, 2016 at Legacy Hospice House in Ocala, Florida.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.  Cremation will be accorded by Roberts Funeral Home and Crematory, Dunnellon, Florida.

Gayle was born August 27, 1944 in Champaign, Illinois, a son of Victor and Leah (Moon) Bickers.  He married Lynn Hollinger on May 15, 1964, at First United Methodist Church, Champaign.  She passed away on January 7, 2012.

He is survived by two daughters, Janet (Todd) Murray and Dena (Bobby) Slade of Champaign; six granddaughters, Jordan Slade of Champaign, Macy (Tyler) Tester of Mahomet, Abigayle Slade of Champaign, and Hadley, Hannah, and Hayes Murray of Champaign; one brother Bill (Barb) Bickers of Champaign, and one brother-in-law, Bruce Hollinger of Redington Shores, Florida.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and two brothers, Jim & Larry Bickers.

Gayle attended Champaign Central High School and then enlisted in the Army National Guard in 1964.  He received his GED in 1966.  In his early career, he was a printer at the News-Gazette.  Gayle and Lynn operated several businesses, including Bickers Builders in Champaign, Muldoon’s Bar and Grill in Sadorus, and Far Horizons in North Redington Beach, Florida.  Gayle was a member of the American Legion.  He enjoyed restoring and showing classic cars.  His pride and joy were his family and his 1953 Chevrolet truck.

He will always be loved and forever missed.

Memorials may be made in Gayle Bickers name to Legacy House-Hospice of Marion County Inc., 9505 S.W. 110th St., Ocala, FL 34481.

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