Gary Hoyl Furr

Gary Hoyl Furr, 77, of Tyler, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on January 25, 2025. Born on February 11, 1947, to Gladys Marie and Winston Hoyl Furr, Gary was deeply devoted to his family and country.

A graduate of Justin F. Kimball High School in Dallas in 1966, Gary made a name for himself early on as an athlete, excelling in Track and Field and even appearing on the cover of IN Teen-Age Magazine. He later earned a Certificate of Proficiency in Technical Illustration from Tyler Junior College, graduating in 1968.

Gary was drafted into the U.S. Army that same year, serving honorably in the Vietnam War. As a Specialist Fourth Class in the 1st Infantry Division, he participated in over 25 aerial missions in hostile territory, contributing to vital counterinsurgency operations. His service was recognized with numerous medals, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with three Campaign Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal with a 60 device, two Overseas Service Bars, Expert Badge (M-14), Air Medal, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Marksman Badge (M-60), Marksman Badge (M-16), Good Conduct Medal, and a Purple Heart. He received an honorable discharge in 1970.

After his service, Gary found love with Linda Ann Littlejohn. They married on November 26, 1970, and built a life grounded in love, hard work, and mutual respect. Gary’s career included positions at Brookshire’s Grocery Company, Tyler Pipe, and Bloch Metals, but his true passion was always owning and operating GF Cattle Farms. Together with his wife Linda, he ran a successful cattle operation for over three decades across three counties in East Texas.

Gary leaves a legacy of love, integrity, true grit, and hard work. He is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Linda; their daughters Tanya Merritt (and husband Brian) of Frankston and Amanda Burkham (and husband Danny) of Tyler; and his cherished grandchildren, Clayton and Coleman Merritt, and Ethan, Abbi, and Aubrey Burkham.

Visitation will be held at Tyler Memorial Funeral Home on Friday, January 31, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. A funeral service with Military Honors will be held in the chapel on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.

Gary’s memory will forever be etched in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Hospice of East Texas in Gary’s name.