Gary Lee Petty

A Celebration of Life will be held from 3pm to 5pm on Sunday, January 12, 2025 at the Fort Worth Boat Club, located at 10000 Boat Club Road, Fort Worth, TX 76179.

Gary was born on July 28, 1949 in Dallas, TX. In 1994, he established Industrial Refractory Services Inc. (IRSI), a contract manufacturer of industrial high temp process equipment. Gary spent his entire working life in the refractory business and was an artist in the field. Gary was an avid sailor and a member of the Fort Worth Boat Club since 1988. Gary loved to travel and to sail. He was very partial to the British Virgin Islands, and his last big sailing trip was in 2019. He only recently sold the boat that was the source of so many wonderful memories.

Gary was a fabulous cook and loved entertaining guests. Most recently, he specialized in making pancakes for Bella and Eva. He was also a master tinkerer, and when Bella and Eva needed something repaired, they would say, “Papa will fix it.” Gary was very kind to animals of all kinds and devoted to his own pets.

Gary is preceded in death by his father Travis Lee Petty, Sr.; mother, Mildred Sutton Petty; and sister, Francis Walker.

He is survived by his partner, Terrie Henderson; brother, Travis Petty, Jr.; sister-in-law, Karen Petty; niece, Amye Cole; nephew, Andrew Cole, and Andrew’s wife, Holly; Terrie’s children, Ryan Segars and Jessica

Henderson; Jessica’s partner, Dominic Orozco; Terrie’s grandchildren, Isabella and Eva Orozco; his friend and previous long-term partner, DeAnn McKinley; his dear friend and office manager, Dena Hill; and his dog, Emmy Lou.

A special thanks to the nurses, doctors, and other caregivers at Baylor Scott & White for the great care they gave Gary and for their kindness and honesty. Also, to all Gary’s employees current and past at IRSI, a special thank you for all your hard work and friendship, and for sticking with him all these years. Adiós, Gary