Gary Pat Elrod

Gary Pat Elrod went to be with his Heavenly Father on November 30th after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on April 2nd, 1958 in San Angelo, Texas at the Clinic Hospital. He graduated from San Angelo Central High School in 1976 and attended Angelo State University for four years. Gary was a lifetime member of First Baptist Church. He worked several jobs including the City Parks Department, Laney Dental Lab, and Shannon Hospital. Gary began a career with Verizon around 1975 and retired from the telecommunication business (just like his father) after giving them 25 years of service. Gary had a passion for the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He also enjoyed listening to music and was learning to play the guitar. During his earlier years, he mastered the Midnight Blue belt in Tang-Soo-Do martial arts. He was also a Texas Tech Red Raider fan. His most important purpose in life was his faith in God followed by his desire to be a wonderful dad and good example to his children, Eric Ford and Sheila Frances. They were his pride and joy. He is preceded in death by his father, Festus Elrod, and his younger sister, Sheila Gay. Survivors include his mother, Willofae Elrod, and his older sister Diana, along with many friends. The family would like to thank Dr. Grant, Dr. Rahman and his nurse Melanie, Dr. Stanley and hospice nurse Kathy, and his very special friend who stood by his side during his illness, Rosa Byrd. Gary had a big heart and was a very giving person and would always be there if you needed help. "For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." -2 Corinthians 5:1 Gary, we look forward to meeting you in heaven for a joyous reunion.