Gary Wayne Land

Gary was an avid baseball fan and played varsity for the Travis Rebels and coached little league, including his son’s teams and had an extensive collection of baseball cards and sports memorabilia.

Gary served in the United States Air Force from 1987 to 1991 and served in active duty, deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Desert Storm as a weather specialist and, subsequently, as a reservist. During his time as a reservist he had the opportunity to be stationed in Germany for a short period of time. He was also employed by the Veterans Administration, assisting with medical claims, in Temple, TX.

After his military service, Gary lived in Waco and Temple and began to grow his love for antiques and historical memorabilia; anything with a story. His story takes him back to the Arlington area, near his father and siblings, as well as a long list of extended family members who welcomed the chance to spend time with him more frequently. Following his return to Arlington, he began working at General Motors, following in his dad’s footsteps.

He found much joy in his two sons and his grandson and looked forward to and shared stories of every visit and activities taking place in each of their lives. Gary was so proud of his son’s accomplishments and spoke of them with great fondness, cherishing every moment, visit and call. His description of the next grand creation that Nolan was creating in the culinary world or his latest victory in a game of washers always brought about a huge grin. Sharing time with Brady outside at sporting events, enjoying a roller coaster ride, competing in a billiards game (or anything!), or the occasional video or board game were extremely memorable. However, every moment Gary spent with his boys was a highlight and becoming a grandfather was the pinnacle. Gary was quick witted, entertaining and brought levity to every room he entered, and everyone loved to be around him.

Gary was also able to rekindle and build on his relationship with his father and four sisters, as well as their spouses and children, over the past 12 years, which was priceless and precious time.

Gary enjoyed the unending hunt for treasures, whether it was in the sandy beach with a metal detector, in an antique shop, at an estate sale, in a box of baseball cards or even on the curb. He had a passion and eye for unique and valuable finds.

Preceded in death by his grandparents, Mabel & Oron Land and O.L. & Jean Proctor. He is survived by his father, Larry & Sue Land (Grand Prairie, TX); mother, Linda & Mel Volkert; two sons, Nolan Land (Las Vegas, NV) and Brady Land (Austin, TX); sisters, Leah & Kobe Nixon (Arlington, TX), Misty & Lance Morin (Mansfield, TX), Kary & Tommy Ruston (Ennis, TX), Amanda & Pete Salais (Arlington, TX); grandson Eiden Land; several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will begin at 11AM with funeral services to be held at 12PM Tuesday, July 23rd at Grand Prairie Funeral Home at 733 Dalworth St, Grand Prairie, TX. Interment will be held at 11:30AM (arrival by 11AM) Wednesday, July 24th at the DFW National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, TX.