He spent his childhood in Clute, where he made many lasting friendships and had many adventures fishing, hunting, and getting into mischief. His children and grandchildren loved to hear the stories of his childhood there. At age 12, he and his family moved to Longview, where he eventually met and married Dawn Blethen in 1975.
He spent his life working hard, sometimes holding three jobs at once just to make sure his family was taken care of. Gary had a tender heart and never hesitated to help others in their times of need, often visiting people in the hospital, sitting with the sick, calling people on the phone to check on them, and offering encouraging words. Other times he could be found mowing yards, running errands, and lending a helping hand where needed. He retired in 2022 after over 40 years in the truck parts industry.
His grandchildren have many fond memories of accompanying him to high school football games, visiting him at work, or watching John Wayne movies with him. He loved to help his grandsons get in some extra baseball practice, and to take his granddaughters shopping. He was always there to support his grandchildren at their various baseball games, concerts, and other events. He loved to make everyone laugh, and would encourage silly antics in his grandchildren.
He is survived by his daughters, Jennifer Pecot and her husband, Clayton, Kim McGregor and her husband Jason, and Laura Lineberger. He is also survived by his mother, Joyce Powell, and his grandchildren: Harrison and his wife Renee, Madelyn and her husband James, Thomas, Seth, Matthew, Emma, and Sydney. Gary had one brother, David Powell and his wife Jamie, and two sisters, Elizabeth Bailey and her husband Mike, and Rachel Meadows and her husband Todd. He also had many nieces and nephews whom he loved very much.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Dawn Powell, and his father, Foy Powell.
The family would like to thank Jesi Mitchell with Palli-Care, the staff at PrimeCare Hospice, and his personal caretaker Jackie Edmund for the kindness they showed him during his battle with ALS
A time of visitation for will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Lakeview Funeral Home, 5000 West Harrison Road, Longview, TX 75604, followed by a celebration of life at 2:00 PM.
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