Guy "Gary" Walker Segrest

Guy Walker “Gary” Segrest claimed his final victory on December 14th, 2022 after a courageous battle with cancer. Gary did not lose his battle to cancer and pain, Gary won and Heaven won.

Gary was born on May 15th, 1948 in Corpus Christi, Texas to Guy Walker Segrest Jr. and Dorothy Lee Segrest. He was the oldest of four boys (Gaylan Segrest, Gerald Segrest, and Grayson Segrest) and the majority of his childhood memories were made in Wharton, TX where he called home. Gary graduated from Wharton High School in 1966 with an accolade of honors and lifetime friends. He attended Henderson State University where he competed in football, swimming, and track. He graduated college in 1971 with a BSE in Physical Education and quickly started his legendary career as a coach and athletic director throughout Southwest Arkansas.

Gary spent twenty-one years at Nashville High School coaching football, tennis, and track and served as Athletic Director. He spent every second keeping the Scrapper tradition alive and left a legacy that is unmatched. Gary then used his experience to help build a competitive program as Athletic Director and Football Coach at Lakeside High School for the next twelve years. He was a master motivator and mentor to so many young men. Retirement could not keep him away from the game, he then returned to serve as Athletic Director and Football Coach at Mineral Springs High and closed his career coaching football at Arkansas High.

It’s impossible to count the number of wins, touchdowns, and tackles Gary experienced over his 44 years of coaching. But the highlights of his career can be seen through the positive impact he had on all who were fortunate enough to call him “coach”.

Gary’s hard work and dedication is evident through the many accomplishments and recognitions received throughout his career. Gary’s successes started in high school lettering in four sports and receiving the Wharton High School’s Outstanding Student Athlete. In college he earned nine varsity letters, was chosen to play in the AIC All Star football game, was awarded Outstanding Offensive Player as well as All Conference in football. Among a great deal of successes, some include many football conference titles and advancements to state play offs. His tennis and track teams held state titles and conference championships as well. He was selected Outstanding Coach of the Conference a number of times and served as both head coach and assistant coach for several High School All Star teams. He received Arkansas Football Coach of the Year in 1983 and the Lowell Manning award in 1984. His teams received Scholastic Coach Magazine awards in both football and track. Gary organized the first high school football team to ever play in Europe and was named Howard County Coach of the Year, Sentinel Record Coach of the Year, and Garland County Coach of the Year numerous times. He was named Arkansas Athletic Director of the Year in 1994 and 1995. Gary dedicated a great deal of time to the AHSAA where he was given the Distinguished Service award and their State Award of Merit. He received a National Federation Citation by the NFHS in 2008. He was later inducted into the Arkansas High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2019.He was always quick to acknowledge his talented staff and players who helped him succeed in the coaching ranks.

Though he loved the game of football, his passions reached beyond the field. Gary was strong in his faith and loved his family fiercely. He was married to his college sweetheart, Jan Allen Segrest; for 49 years who was always his biggest fan. He cherished time spent with his loving daughters and their families, Jeni Davidson (Brian) and Katie Kirkland (Skylar). Being a “Pop” to Denver, Ava, Elle Kathryn, and Hollis brought him the greatest joy. He was also a dedicated member of First Baptist Church of Hot Springs near thirty years and was proud to serve on their safety team. Ever the storyteller, he loved recounting his adventures in the great outdoors. He was a man of many talents and had more hobbies than sometimes time allowed.

The pallbearers for his service include Ken Allen, Hal Boggs, Daniel Cooper, Randy Hornbeck, Skylar Kirkland, and Randy Teale. Honorary pallbearers include Butch Bradley, Charles Carozza, Don Derfler, Bill Henderson, Marty Renfrow, Dr. Bruce Smith, Kirk Smith, Reggie Speights, and Randy White.

Gary’s visitation will be held on Monday, December 19th from 9:00am-11:00am at First Baptist Church in Hot Springs followed by his celebration of life at 11:00am. A family burial will be held at Walnut Hill Cemetery in Bradley, Arkansas.

He will be greatly missed by all who loved him. His stories will be shared and all will feel his love for a lifetime. His family and friends are thankful for the gift of eternal life and have peace knowing they will see him again. A great deal of thanks and appreciation to all who loved, laughed, and made memories with him. His family is grateful for the care and guidance of Dr. Tim Webb and Dr. Timothy English, and the dedicated nurses who provided the best of care during the hardest of days. Gary was one of a kind, and his “one-liners” will live on forever.

If desired, memorials can be made to First Baptist Upward Youth Program, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, or a charity of your choice.