Memorials › Gary LeRoy Ford

Gary LeRoy Ford

1 Sep 1946 – 10 Nov 2024

Birth1 Sep 1946
Death10 Nov 2024
Added byDede Sutton-Morris on 18 Nov 2024
FaGhttps://www.findagrave.com/memorial/276722162

Bio

Gary LeRoy Ford went to his eternal reward on Sunday, November 10, 2024. Gary was born September 1, 1946, to Merle and Una (Howard) Ford, in Amarillo, Texas, the second of four children. He played trumpet or coronet in band throughout school. Gary graduated from Palo Dura High School in Amarillo in 1964. After high school, he attended several semesters of college at West Texas State University in Canyon, TX. He served in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1969, playing trumpet in the Army Band, serving at Fort Polk and Fort Sam Houston. Following his service, he completed his undergraduate degree from West Texas State University in Canyon (now West Texas A&M), and a Masters of Music. In December 1973, he married Linda Lou Hooton. They have two daughters, Temple and Tyler. Gary had several jobs, but his career was as a band director. He taught band in Spring Branch, and near Houston, TX. Later he taught in Altus, Oklahoma, and for the Mangum Public Schools from 1989 to 2001, and Cheyenne Public Schools from 2001 until retiring in 2009. He was a member of the Texas Band Directors' Association even after retiring. Gary and Linda worship with the Mangum church of Christ where Gary served as an elder. Gary was one of the song leaders and involved in prison ministry and a dedicated Bible student and Bible class teacher. Additionally, Gary was involved on the Greer County 9/11 Commission and elections. Gary was a man of few words. He loved to teach, whether it was music at school or Bible class at the church. He was a positive influence for a great many people. He didn't say a lot of words but he always said a lot with his few words. He was truly a godly man of strong character who always said things as they were. These qualities made Gary a beloved grandfather. "Poppa" taught all the grandchildren to drive, drove tremendous distances for events, and relished every opportunity to brag on or dote on his grandkids. He is preceded in death by his parents and a brother-in-law Steve Weathers.

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