Gary was born in Lafayette, Louisiana on June 29, 1944. He was the son of Tony Joe Thrailkill and Margaret Cordelia (Martin) Thrailkill. Gary attended Norman High School and graduated in 1962. He went on to join the United States Air Force in October of 1963. While in the Air Force, he served as an engine mechanic on the C-130, F-4, and UH-1 aircrafts. During his service, he traveled all over the world and had many great adventures and exciting stories to tell. In 1970, Gary returned to Norman, Oklahoma where he attended Sooner Trade and received his certification in HVAC. He went on to establish two HVAC companies, Mechanical Systems, Inc. and RMI Air Services. He retired from RMI in 2015 and was very proud of his son Tyler for assuming ownership of the business.
Gary and Joan (McCoy) Thrailkill wed on August 14, 1976, sharing almost 48 years of a loving marriage. Gary and Joan loved attending OU football games and going on ski trips together. They also enjoyed hosting OU parties for friends and family. They had two children, Tyler and Brooke. Gary enjoyed being a father to his kids. He often coached his son's basketball teams growing up and loved taking both Tyler and Brooke on fishing excursions to local lakes and ponds. Gary and his daughter Brooke shared a special bond and he referred to her as, "my girl."
Gary was a memorable man. He knew the first four bars of almost every 1960s country and rock and roll song and had no shame bursting out in song anywhere, anytime. Gary was a quiet man but always found humor in any situation, including his own medical limitations. He was an amazing man who overcame adversity time and time again. Gary loved his family and especially his grandchildren, for whom he was always searching Amazon for special toys or gadgets to surprise them.
Gary is survived by his wife, Joan Thrailkill, his son, Tyler Thrailkill, his daughter Brooke (Zach) Hesse, grandsons Driver and Maverick Thrailkill, and granddaughter Harper Hesse. He is also survived by his older brother and sister, Monte Joe Thrailkill, Monroe, LA and Jan Grant-Johnson, Scottsdale, AZ.
Gary was a man of faith. He and Joan were members of Memorial Presbyterian Church for many years in Norman, OK, where Gary served as a deacon. At his request, there will be no funeral services. Gary wished to be cremated and his ashes spread at one of his favorite fishing spots, Lake Texoma.
His family will miss his loving presence in their lives and will hold him close to their hearts forever.
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