Garaland was born in Elk City, Oklahoma on September 28, 1938 to George and Velva Eggleston. He lived in Elk City, Perryton, Pampa and Big Lake, Texas. He attended high school in Elk City, Oklahoma. Toward the end of his high school days, he was given the opportunity to run a small burger drive in called the Pig Hip, a hopping place at that time. It was a sign of things to come for the rest of his life. It was working at the Pig Hip where he met the apple of his eye, Janiece McDaniel. Soon after a time of courtship they were married on June 22, 1955 in Cheyenne, Oklahoma. They enjoyed 53 years of marriage.
They started their family life in Pampa, Texas. It was there many strong bonds with his brother George and his wife Carol. They became inseparable and enjoyed many good times together. Always a gambler and with this drive in his blood he pulled up roots and moved his family to Big Lake on October 31, 1968. He went to work for Kiawana Oil Company. This would get him going until his gambling spirit took over. He went into business for himself along with Jan starting up the first of many businesses, the 67 Steak House. Never afraid to dive into a new challenge, he would also go into the electric business, oil production, real estate rental, car wash and he also loved auctions. He spent the last 30 years of his life in Triple G. Supply business.
Garaland was an active sponsor of many activities close to his heart. These included the Reagan County Little league, All Sports Booster club, Reagan County 4-H and many others. He loved sharing his knowledge of business with others. He would never hesitate to give his opinion on how to do it right. His greatest passion was to entertain in this way and won many tournaments. Garaland had even won a match against noted gambler Amarillo Slim and many other known celebrities.
Garaland was preceded in death by his loving wife, Jan, son Gerald LeRoy Eggleston along with sisters Freda Barrow, Janice Piercy and Mary Eggleston.
He is survived by sons Gary Eggleston of Big Lake and Gregory Eggleston of Las Vegas, Nevada; loving daughter Tina Noland and husband Mark of Big Lake. He is also survived by his family, brother George Eggleston and wife Carol of Pampa, Texas, brother Orland Eggleston and wife Hedy of Tampa Bay, Florida, brother Elwin Eggleston of California; sisters Deanna Mulford and husband Steve of Indianapolis, Indiana, sister Olga Fuller of Main; also special cousins Pat and R.J. Wooten of Lake Jackson, Texas, Delores and Gerald McKay of Borger, Texas, Laura Ellen Witt of Sweetwater, Oklahoma, Shirley and Leo Bradley of Yukon, Oklahoma, Marita Wornam of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and Raymond Cardin of McCloud, Oklahoma; also sister-in-law Shirley Thomas and husband Tony of Dowagiac, Michigan along with many, many nieces and nephews. His pride and joy his 6 grandkids Penny Jones, Guy Eggleston, Ashley Eggleston, Lindsey Noland, Mandi Eggleston and Brentley Noland; his 6 great-grandkids Destiny Jones, Alyzza Villarreal, Makayla Villerreal, Julio Vasquez, Devin Reyes and Maleeah Mares.
The family would like to extend its grateful thanks to the following for helping extend Dad’s life over the years Dr. Ayass and his staff, the PCU nurses and aides at Community Hospital, Dr. Blanc and his nurse Mary, Dr. Hunt, Dr. Leon, Dr. Sudolcan and staff; the Reagan County Ambulance service especially Elizabeth and Doug for making Dad’s wishes of coming home true; the staff at Reagan memorial Hospital, San Angelo Home Health and Lincare. Thanks to Odyssey Hospice for making his final days peaceful. Finally to Belen Ramirez for being there for dad with his doctor visits and trips. Last but not least, a very special friend Richard Cortinas, Uncle George and Aunt Carol along with Aunt Shirley and Uncle Tony.
Services will be held at 10:00 AM, Monday, November 19th at First Baptist Church of Big Lake with Rev. Buddy Helms officiating. Interment will follow at Glen Rest Cemetery. Arrangements are by Johnson’s Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Belen Ramirez, Victor Villerreal, Blake Kohutek, Freddy Leija, Jody Garber and Larry Heintzelman. Honorary Pallbearers will be Dennis Kruse, DD Poyner, Jimmy Martin and Richard Cortinas.
Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at johnsons-funeralhome.com
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