Gary Ray Gardner

June 27, 1947 – May 10, 2026

Gary Ray Gardner was born and raised in Lubbock, Texas, to Alton “Al” Gardner and Donna Milliken Gardner, and grew up surrounded by a large, loving extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A proud graduate of Texas Tech University, Gary earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and went on to build a distinguished career spanning more than four decades. He became a respected expert in rotating equipment and API 610 pump applications, serving in leadership and engineering roles at Flowserve, Sepco, Fairbanks Morse Engine, and HydroTex, Inc., where he served as Vice President and General Manager. In later years, he continued sharing his knowledge and mentorship as a Senior Sales Engineer at Best PumpWorks and as Sales Engineer and Mechanical Service Center Manager at AGI Industries.

In January 1980, Gary wed Carol Swafford, joining their families and children into one. He was the father of three sons and is preceded in death by Michael Ray Gardner, Mark Robert Gardner, and his stepson Thomas Yale Swafford Jr..

He is survived by his sister Susan Dusenbury and her husband Chuck Dusenbury and their children Ross and Courtney, son John William Gardner and partner Bex, his granddaughter Stormy and her husband Caleb, and his great-granddaughter Amelia Belle. He is also survived by his stepdaughter Susan Lawyer and her husband Mitchell Lawyer, and their children Stuart and partner Lex Loro and Mina Lawyer.

Gary is further survived by his grandchildren Ryne Gardner, Cody Gardner, Ashley Tackitt, and Thomas Yale Swafford III, along with many great-grandchildren who brought him tremendous joy.