Pat was born on October 18, 1932, in Iraan, Texas, to Irene Kennemer Byrd and Roy Lee Byrd. She was raised in Austin, Texas, and graduated in 1950 from Austin High School, where she was a member of the Red Jackets. In 1960, Pat met two of the great loves of her life – Bill Gainer and golf. She was dedicated to and successful at both. Pat and Bill tied the knot on January 18, 1961, and remained married until his death in 2018. As for golf, she began lessons under the legendary Harvey Penick, and proved to be an excellent student. Pat and Bill were members of Austin Country Club for over 40 years, where she made lifelong friends and earned numerous titles, including 8-time Ladies Partnership Champion (with Theo Windsor), 5-time Ladies Club Champion, 3-time Couples Champion (with Bill), and 3-time Senior Ladies Champion. Pat and Bill then moved to The Hills of Lakeway Country Club, where she continued to play golf and was crowned Senior Ladies Champion in 2004 and Super Senior Ladies Champion in 2006 and 2013. She also joined Lakeway Church, where she grew stronger in her faith.
Pat had another great love in her life – her family. She was extremely proud and fiercely protective of her children and grandchildren, and loved watching and sharing in their successes. We will remember her as a loving wife, loyal friend, and a treasured and supportive mom, mother-in-love and Grammy, who will no doubt be our greatest cheerleader in Heaven. Pat was preceded in death by her husband Bill Gainer, stepson Trey Gainer, son-in-law Jim Foster, parents Irene and Roy Byrd, brothers Sammy Lee Byrd and Joe Bently Byrd, and sisters Norma Sue Aery and Mary Margaret Byrd. She is survived by her son Mike (Hallie) Gainer, daughter LeeAnna (Bryan) Mask, stepdaughter Gale Foster, daughter-in-law Debbie Gainer, 8 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service to celebrate Pat’s life will be held on June 21, 2019, at 2:00 p.m., at Lakeway Church, 2203 Lakeway Boulevard, Lakeway, Texas.
Pat spent her last week at Hospice Austin’s Christopher House, and the family is so grateful to this facility and its staff for its amazing care of both Pat and her loved ones. In lieu of flowers, donations to Christopher House are suggested.
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