Gary Alvin Pollard

Gary Alvin Pollard was born on August 24, 1943, in Hobbs, New Mexico, to Claude Alvin Pollard and Jaylene Sandlin Pollard. He entered the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on February 13, 2025, in Plano, Texas.

Throughout his childhood, Gary attended 21 different schools from first through twelfth grade, where he developed a deep love for music and literature. He graduated from Angleton High School in 1961 and went on to enroll at Texas Tech University, where he became an active member of Highland Baptist Church and was honored to serve as Youth Pastor for a week.

In 1964, Gary married the love of his life, Tawatha Jan Exum. Their marriage was a testament to faith and devotion, lasting 60½ years.

Gary earned his degree in Electrical Engineering from Texas Tech University in 1965, where he was also a proud member of Saddle Tramps, a distinguished service organization. After graduating, he began his career at IBM in San Angelo, Texas, managing the General Telephone account and working in the sales office. During his time in San Angelo, he was an active member of First Baptist Church, teaching a college Sunday School class and a junior high Training Union class while also serving on various church committees. He contributed to the broader community as a member of the City Library Board and as President of the San Angelo West Rotary Club.

Committed to lifelong learning, Gary pursued his MBA at Angelo State University, where he also managed the University Data Processing Center and taught Computer Science. Upon earning his degree in 1978 he accepted a position with Texas Instruments in Lubbock, Texas as a Business Systems Programmer/Analysis. He continued his passion for teaching by leading Junior High and High School Sunday School classes at First Baptist Church.

After six years in Lubbock, Gary went to Austin, Texas as a Systems Manager. He became involved at First Baptist Church Georgetown, teaching a high school boys’ Sunday School Class. Two year later, Texas Instruments moved him to Plano, Texas, where he served as I.T. Department Manager. He retired from Texas Instruments in 1999 after 21 years. A man of deep faith, Gary was an active member of Prestonwood Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon, Usher, and Adult Sunday School Teacher.

Even in retirement, Gary remained dedicated to his profession, working for Avicon, Cap Gemini and Carbonyx, Inc.

Gary is survived by his loving wife Jan, sons, Gary Jr., Chris & wife Lori, & Krista Kershner, wife of son Grant. Gary’s delightful grandchildren are Berkley Pollard, Brooke George, husband Julian George, Kasey Pollard, and Courtney Pollard. Gary was preceded in death by: Father: Claude Pollard, Mother: Jaylene Pollard, Sister-in-law: Marilyn VanSlyke, & Son: Sterling Grant Pollard.

He is also survived by his sister, Judi Larmer & husband Dr. Bill Larmer, brothers-in-law Robin Exum & wife Jan, Glenn VanSlyke & wife Cassie, Paul Schroeder & wife Linda, and Tracy VanSlyke & wife Amy, his beloved Aunt Terri Sandlin, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Gary’s legacy is one of unwavering faith, love for his family, and a commitment to serving others. Gary’s kindness, wisdom, and dedication to his faith is a testament to the man he was, and he could always put a smile on your face and make you laugh. The Celebration Service will be March 14, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel of Prestonwood Baptist Church located at 6801 West Park Blvd. in Plano, Texas 75093.

The streaming link for the Celebration Service is prestonwood.org/chapelevent

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made to Prestonwood Pregnancy Center https://prestonwoodpregnancy.org/friends/. Or by using the Memorial Contribution Link below.