Gaynell Soto Loar, age 86, of Chapel Hill, Tennessee, passed away on February 9, 2026, at Alive Hospice in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

Gaynell was born on August 17, 1939, in Tampa, Florida, to Felix & Dolly Lee Soto, both of whom preceded her in death. She grew up in Ybor City, Florida, where she worked in the Hav-A-Tampa Cigar Factory, developing a deep appreciation for her Cuban heritage. She loved Cuban food, strong coffee, and time spent with family and friends.

She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother, and friend. Gaynell owned and operated several flower shops over the years and had a true gift for creativity. She especially loved making silk floral arrangements, many of which she lovingly created for family and friends some of which remain cherished keepsakes today. In recent years, Gaynell continued to share her love of flowers by creating arrangements to deliver to assisted living and skilled nursing facilities, bringing beauty, comfort, and joy to residents and staff alike. Giving to others in this way brought her great happiness.

Gaynell had a deep love for animals, particularly her dogs. She adored Mindy, Teddy, and Rudy, who preceded her in death, and her beloved Yorkie, Stormy, who brought her great comfort and companionship.

On February 21, 2026, Gaynell would have celebrated her 51st wedding anniversary with her loving husband, Robert Loar, whom she married in 1975. He survives her.

She is also survived by her children: Linda Marshall (Dallas Marshall), of Tallahassee, Florida; Ralph Leonard (Barbara Leonard), of Homosassa, Florida; and Angel Kennedy (Kristian Kennedy), of Chapel Hill, Tennessee.

Gaynell was a proud grandmother to Tabatha McLain (Christopher McLain), of Indiana; Jason Seeders and Mike Seeders, of Tallahassee, Florida; and Faith Kennedy and Jaeden Kennedy, of Chapel Hill, Tennessee.

She is survived by her great-grandchildren: Preston Seeders, Lexi Seeders, Kierceten Seeders, Alaina Nix-Seeders, and Alyssa Seeders, all of Florida; Tyler Knox (Mallory Knox), of California; Brittany Knox and Katelyn Knox, of Florida; and Candyce McLain, Nicholas McLain, and Chrisalea McLain, of Indiana.

She is also survived by her great-great-grandchild, Aubree Mitchell, of Florida.

Gaynell was preceded in death by her sister and brother-in-law, Helen and Harrie Bateman; her brothers, Freddie Soto, Reinaldo Soto, Julian Soto, William Wallace, Rosco Wallace; and her niece Loraine Garciaand her husband Jay Garcia.

Graveside services for Gaynell Soto Loar will be held at Simpson Cemetery in Rover, TN on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. prior to the service. All services are under the direction of Lawrence Funeral Home, Chapel Hill, Tennessee.

Gaynell will be remembered for her creativity, her generous heart, her love for animals, and the beauty she brought into the lives of so many. Her family takes comfort in knowing that she is now at peace, reunited with loved ones who have gone before her, and resting safely in the presence of her Lord and Savior.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters… Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”— Psalm 23

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