Gary L. Whitley

On Saturday, November 15, 2025, our lives changed forever when Gary L. Whitley passed away unexpectedly. To those who knew him, Gary wasn’t just a son, a father, a brother, or a friend—he was a source of comfort, laughter, and steady strength. He had a gift for speaking with purpose and sincerity, often sharing words that stayed with you long after the conversation ended. Being around Gary made people feel grounded, encouraged, and understood.

Gary was brave, loyal, and fiercely protective of the people he loved. Some knew him simply as Gary, while others lovingly called him “Big G”—a name that captured his presence, his spirit, and the respect he carried without ever demanding it. He stood up for himself and for others, especially for those who didn’t always know how to stand up for themselves. Long-term friends and loyalty came naturally to Gary. He had a low-key presence and valued honesty and directness with no room for nonsense.

Gary was the beloved son of Barbara McBride Whitley and the late Gary Rodgers Whitley, and the cherished older brother of Roderic Keith Whitley. He was a proud and devoted father to his two sons, GuireShon of Austin and Ian of Las Vegas. They were his heart. Gary loved his boys deeply, and they carry forward his resilience, his humor, and his commitment to family.

Gary grew up in Austin, Houston, and Leander, where he made friends easily and left lasting impressions. He attended Andrews Elementary in Austin, Braeburn Elementary, and Hastings High School in Houston, and graduated from LBJ High School in 1989. Anyone who watched him play basketball knew he was something special—skilled, disciplined, and competitive. He earned All-District honors as a Letterman at both Hastings and LBJ High School.

After high school, Gary attended Huston–Tillotson University before discovering his passion for barbering. His brother Roderic was his inspiration to become a barber. He completed 1,500 hours of training at Roffler School of Hair Design and became a licensed Texas barber. For more than 17 years, he worked at Sue’s Barbershop in Austin, where the conversations were lively, the energy was high, and the community felt like family. Barbering wasn’t just a job for Gary—it was part of who he was. It connected him to the Prosser family legacy and to the work of his grandmother, aunts, uncle, and his younger brother, Roderic “Big Rod” Whitley. Gary and Rod shared a bond so close that people often spoke of them as one— “Gary & Rod”—brothers connected by heart and love of their mother.

Sports were one of Gary’s greatest joys. He could talk statistics, trades, and players with the ease of someone born for sports talk shows and podcasts. His love for the San Francisco 49ers never wavered—win or lose, that was his team. Conversations with Gary could move effortlessly from sports to music, politics, community news, food, or history. The barbershop was the perfect home for his quick wit, sharp mind, and genuine friendships.

Gary also took pride in caring for himself. His mornings were intentional: a healthy breakfast, coffee, time on his indoor bike, preparing his healthy drinks, caring for his car, and quiet moments spent reading and researching different topics, which included daily communication with friends, meditations, and prayers.

Gary leaves behind a family who loved him deeply and will forever feel his absence: his devoted mother, Barbara Chavis; his sons, GuireShon and Ian; his nephew, Roderic L. Whitley; Aunts Marjorie Odom (Joe), Helen Thompson (John), Lydia Whitley (Charles), and Linda Whitley (Raymond); cousins Adam Hughey, Raymond F. Whitley, Harvey Atkins, and John Thompson; many cousins; Vanessa Givens girlfriend of many years, and other beloved family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Gary R. Whitley; his best friend and brother, Roderic Keith Whitley; Uncle Homer L. Edwards, Uncle Raymond Whitley Jr.; Aunt Mary Whitley; Uncle Aaron Whitley; his paternal grandparents, Raymond Whitley, and Dorothy Mae Whitley; and his maternal grandparents, Jeanne Prosser Edwards, Tommie McBride, and Florence Mae Prosser McBride.

Gary lived his life with loyalty, compassion, and heart. He was strong, genuine, and full of love—qualities that touched people more deeply than he ever knew. His voice, his humor, and his spirit will remain with us, always.

A wake will be held at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home, located at 14501 North Ih-35, Pflugerville, TX 78660, on December 5, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

The funeral service will take place at the same venue on December 6, 2025, at 11:00 AM.