Archie "Buck" Linden Gillock

Born on December 20, 1936, in Cushing, Oklahoma, Buck was the beloved son of Reverends Cecil and Mary Daisy Gillock and the younger brother of his dear sister, Betty. His early years were spent in Oklahoma before his family moved to Kermit, Texas in 1950.

It was in Kermit that Buck met the love of his life, Barbara Wood – the girl who would become his lifelong partner, best friend and greatest joy. The married in 1954 while still students at Kermit High School, building a life together rooted in love, faith and devotion to their growing family,

Buck had a deep love for horses and dreamed of a ranching life, which led him and Barbara to move out to the expansive Walton Ranch in Winkler County shortly after high school. There Buck worked as a cowboy for 11 years finding joy in the open land, hard work, and simple beauty of ranch life. It was there that they welcomed four children, creating memories that would be treasured forever.

As Buck and Barbara’s family grew, so did their responsibilities, and in 1966, Buck transitioned to a new career in welding, moving the family to Odessa, Texas, for six years before eventually returning to Kermit. A skilled welder with a strong work ethic, he spent 32 years there perfecting his craft.

In 1998, he and Barbara moved to Marble Falls, where Buck continued to weld for another two decades, not just for work but also for the pure enjoyment of building – whether it was BBQ pits, swings for his grandchildren, or anything else his hands could create. Though welding provided for his family, Buck’s heart never truly left the ranch. He loved riding horses, tending to cattle, and caring for the land in any way he could.

Buck had a special way of bringing warmth and joy to those around him. He loved playing the guitar and would often entertain his children and later his grandchildren with music and memories that will never fade. He also had a passion for simple country pleasures – growing a garden, picking up and cracking pecans, and raising chickens. These were the things that kept him connected to the ranch life he loved so much.

Buck was known for his quick wit and contagious humor. He had a joke for every occasion and a one-linger for every situation – “Handy as a pocket on a shirt”, “That’d be a big fight with a short stick”, “Never look a gift horse in the mouth”. His Oklahoma roots shined through in his sayings, and his family will deeply miss the laughter he brought into their lives.

A man of quiet but unwavering faith, Buck was a longtime member of Granite Mountain Baptist Church. The son of two ministers, he gave his life to Christ at a young age. Though he never sought the pulpit, he lived out his Christian faith daily – through kindness, humility, and steadfast love as a son, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Buck endured deep heartbreak, including the passing of his beloved wife, Barbara, in 2020, and the loss of their 14 year old daughter, Barbie, in 1979 – a sorrow that stayed with him always. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Cecil (1987) and Daisy (1999); his sister, Betty (February 2025); and his granddaughter, Amanda (1981).

He leaves behind a legacy of love and family, survived by his children, Beverly (Gary) Martin, Brenda (L.D,) Green, and Bill (Judy) Gillock; his ten grandchildren – Mike Green, Brian Green, Cole Stout, Trent Stout, Grant Martin, Meagan Powers, Kari-Ann Miller, Jenna Knight, Jill Nichols, and Jamie Davis; and 32 great-grandchildren.

Buck was blessed with caregivers who became family. Special thanks and blessings to Valentina and Oscar Gomez, Kimberly Aguilar, and Pancho Aguilar for their love, dedication and compassionate care.

While his time here has ended, Buck’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. His family finds peace in knowing he is reunited with Barbara and Barbie and that he is finally home.