GARY MABERRY

Gary J Don Maberry, 71, took his final bow on June 16, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, unforgettable memories, and count - less spent cigars. Born on February 29, 1952, he entered this world with a zest for life that would become the trademark of his larger-than-life personality. Growing up, Gary had a love of sports and the outdoors. During the summer he could be found playing baseball or being active in Boy Scouts with his brothers, cousins, and friends from all around Hamlin. He was an avid golfer, spending countless hours at the Hamlin Country Club and traveling to golf tournaments with friends. In a 2002 tournament, he won a Buick LeSabre by hitting a hole-in-one, an accomplishment few golfers can claim. In high school, Gary was known for his toughness and grit. Getting caught in a headlock by Gary was a fear among many. During his junior year, Gary faced a challenging setback when he lost his big toe during the wheat harvest. His doctor said he may never walk the same again. Gary’s tenacity and determination led to regaining full mobility and a successful high school football career culminating in the Green Belt Bowl. Throughout high school, college, and the duration of his life, Gary maintained a passionate love of dove season. Every year he looked forward to opening day; although, some hunts resulted in knocking down more beers than birds. Often, they would end up at the Bluebonnet Café with friends and family, cooking up the spoils of the day’s hunt along with a plethora of other fried foods.

In 1975, Gary asked out the woman who would become the love of his life, Glenda Williams. She, however, would not agree to his request until he cut his long hair, styled in the 1970s fashion. The very next day he showed up at Howard Drug, where Glenda was working, with his hair cut short and the rest is history. On December 27, 1976, they joined hands in matrimony. Together, they welcomed three children into the world—Lindsey, Lacy, and Greg—who became the very fabric of his joy and purpose. Gary embraced his role as a father and relished the privilege of being a loving PawPaw to his five grandchildren. In 1976, Gary graduated with a degree in Business Administration from Texas Tech University and had a brief stint in accounting before finding a career as an electrician. But his free spirit couldn’t bear the yoke of working for someone else. In 1981, he made the leap and ventured out on his own to establish Maberry Electric in Hamlin, Texas. Together, Gary and Glenda operated the business for 42 years.

The father of three Texas A&M graduates, Gary was the proudest Aggie Dad. He was a passionate, and occasionally disgruntled, Aggie football fan. He happily wore his maroon colors and proudly boasted of the achievements of his kids to anyone who would listen. Music held a special place in Gary’s heart, particularly classic rock and the melodies of Johnny Cash. He could often be found singing along to his favorite tunes, his voice resonating with the passion and love he had for it. Whether it was rocking out to Jimi Hendrix, or swaying to the heartfelt ballads of The Man in Black, Gary found solace and joy in the power of music. Gary never met a stranger. He could make friends standing in line at a restaurant, in an elevator, at a card table in Vegas, or a pool in Mexico. You could often find Gary sitting in his shop, enjoying the simple pleasures of life. He enjoyed watching Gun Smoke, immersing himself in the wild west adventures of Marshal Matt Dillon, and escaping into another time and place. Gary would often binge a new TV series late into the night, surrendering to the allure of captivating narratives, always succumbing to the temptation of “just one more episode.”

Gary was preceded in death by his beloved parents JW and Gracie Maberry and brother, Tony Maberry. Gary is survived by his wife of 46 years, Glenda Maberry of Hamlin, Texas, and children, daughter Lindsey Brown of The Woodlands, Texas, daughter Lacy Bowen and husband Ramey Bowen of Weatherford, Texas, son GregMaberry and wife Mallory Maberry of Justin, Texas, and his brother Dannie Maberry of Jal, New Mexico, and his treasured grandchildren, Presley, Jack, Nathan, James, and Elise. He leaves behind a vast network of cherished friends and devoted family members who were enriched by his presence. A celebration of Gary J Don Maberry’s life will take place at the First Baptist Church of Hamlin on Saturday, June 24th, with visitation with the family in the Fellowship Hall at 1:00 PM and service in the Sanctuary at 2:00 PM. We extend an earnest invitation to all beloved family, and cherished friends to join us as we honor his determination, his endearing spirit, and the boundless love he so generously bestowed upon all fortunate enough to have crossed his path. Afterwards, please join us in raising a glass, be it a frosty brew, a fine bourbon, or simply a warm smile, and offer a heartfelt toast to his vibrant spirit, his unyielding honesty and his love for laughter, friendship, and the audacity to tread untrodden paths