CEDAR HILL, TEXAS -- Gary D. Abner, beloved husband, father, grandfather and papa, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, May 22, 2010.
Funeral: 11 a.m. Friday at Trinity United Methodist Church. Interment: Emerald Hills Memorial Park. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Gary was born in Glendale, Calif., but was raised in Marietta, Ga. After graduating from Georgia State University, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. Gary then embarked on a successful 26-year career with Alcon/Galderma Labs. An avid sports enthusiast, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf and NASCAR, and spent endless hours with his wife cheering for the Dallas Mavericks.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Karen Michelle.
Survivors: He is cherished in memory by his devoted wife, Maria; daughters, Melinda Siler (Tim) and Susan Patria (Tim); stepdaughters, Gina Mattox (Gary), Kristine Hodo and Jeanine Gilchrest (Alan); grandchildren, Jessica, Joshua, Ryan, Joy, Jenna, Kayla, Morgan, Whitney, Andrew, Jillian and Haley; countless other friends and family who were blessed to have known him; and his constant companions, Lacey and Sophie.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
June 1, 2010
I was going through our pictures for the first time in a long time. I found this picture of Gary, Melinda and I at the shower for Laurie in Seattle right before she married 1993. I think we have all changed just a little. :-) My thoughts and prayers are with all of you who loved Gary and I know that Gary, Karen,and Grandma and Grandpa Abner are together again in heavan.
May 31, 2010
TIM, MELINDA JOSH, JESSICA,JOY, JENNA, OUR LOVE IS WITH YOU NOW AND ALWAYS. WE HOPE THAT GOOD TIMES THAT YOU HAVE HADE WITH GRANDPA WILL BE FRESH IN YOUR MEMORY DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME. STAN,JESSICA,ADAM,KYLE,SAMANTHA AND JACOB SILER
May 28, 2010
Ron and Jeff DeSilets
Our sincerest sympathies and condolences on the passing of Gary to all the families. My brother and I were grade school and high school next door neighbors to the Abner family. Derald and Jean were pillars of the Smyrna community and the Methodist church in Smyrna. Gary, LouAnn and Larry were our best friends in everything we did. Especially, during the summers, our families grilled or shared meals almost every weekend. Again, our sincerest sympathies and condolences.
Ron and Jeff DeSilets and Families.
May 28, 2010
Rebecca and Mark Rathel
Melinda, Tim, Jessica, Josh, Joy Kaye, and Jenna: We are so sad for you right now. We love you very much, and since we couldn't be there, we have prayed that angels will be there to "encamp around you" to help you through today and the days ahead of you. May the sweet Holy Spirit comfort your hearts, even now. Aunt Becky, Uncle Mark, Aaron, Andrew, and Rebecca Anne
May 28, 2010
Jimmy Siler
On behalf of the Siler Family we pray the Lord will give you strength, God Bless you all..
May 27, 2010
Charlie & Nancy Harris
I am speechless of hearing of Gary`s death. I talked with him regular once to twice aweek and had just talked with him the day before his passing.
Gary started hunting with me about 5 yrs. ago here in South Texas and instead of a client, my wife and I considered him as family, and I truly mean that from my heart. Gary and I hit it off at the very beginning and one day I will meet up with him again when the Lord above calls for me.
There are so many GREAT memories that I will never forget. One thing I found out for sure, HE LOVED HUNTING ! Gary was a very intelligent individual and I always considered him as my "Dr. Phil" on giving me advice about the Hunting industry....and believe me he was sharp as a tack !
Anyway, I`m not much on words, but Maria, you have to be strong,especially for your grand babies and children...All Gary ever talked about when came to hunt was Maria, grand babies, and his children!. And the bananna nut bread will surely be missed !!
One more thing that I might add is that I had the Honor to have Josh (Garys grandson) and Josh`s Dad "Tim" (Son in Law) to hunt with me and you would never imagine the gleam in Garys eyes when Josh (grandson) took his FIRST BUCK ....words cannot desbribe Garys expressions.
All I can say Gary Abner, is that you are a TRUE FRIEND....and like a Brother that I never had and will be missed FOREVER.
May The Lord comfort you....
"MARIA" ...Nancy and I will always be here for you.
May 27, 2010
Maria, Jeanine, Alan, Morgan & Jillian,
We were saddened to hear of your sudden loss. We were lucky enough to have met Gary a couple of times during his visits to Minnesota. We will remember him as always smiling. We got such a kick out of him. Memories of him at the fantasy football draft party will always make us laugh fondly.
As the days stretch on, we hope you are able to find strength in your memories, family and friends.
We love you,
Todd, Beth, Alex, Jay & Luke Ellingson
May 27, 2010
Steve Clark
It is with great sorrow that I write this. Gary provided joy, humor and color to me during the time we worked together. During his career he was a significant contributor to the success of Alcon/Owen/Galderma. He was a very close friend; we fished, played golf and had a close relationship during our time together.
I remember when I first met Gary some 35+ years ago. I conducted the final interview with him at the Ramada Inn at the Atlanta airport. I told him the starting salary was $10,000 and he said he was thinking more about $12,000. I told him that was fine but the position paid $10,000. He said he needed a little time to think about it so I told him to take a half hour and let me know his decision. He returned and said that $10,000 would be just fine.
I also worked with Maria for several years, and I wish her peace and happiness.
Gary Abner was a very special person in my life.
May 27, 2010
Bob Grantham
Gary was always a welcome compatriot at Alcon, one of the good ones.
May 26, 2010
Jon Niemczyk
We'll miss Gary's entusiasm and passion for his friends , his hobbies and his career. Gary was an inspiration to me early in my career. He'd go "nose-to nose and toes-to-toes" with anyone!
May 26, 2010
Gary Morgan
Patria family,You are in my thoughts now more than ever.
May 26, 2010
Julie Abner
The years take us away from those who were once family. I will always have fond memories of Gary, his great smile and sense of humor.
My thoughts are with all of you.
Julie Abner
May 26, 2010
Steve Marcoe
May God shower you all with his blessings of peace.
May 26, 2010
Dear Maria,
Gary will always be remembered fondly at Galderma, especially by the many that he taught sales training to. but he will be best remembered by his Abnerisms..."That dog don't hunt". I will always smile when thinking of Gary. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Mary Madden - Galderma Labs
May 26, 2010
Phyllis and Ron Vigue
Precious memories we hold so near
of this man who was loved and held dear.
May your memories comfort you in the days to come and remain bright forever.
May 26, 2010
Laurie, Brad, Sam and Sayler Shank
Uncle Gary, I will always remember many great times at Grandma and Grandpa's house for Thanksgiving and Christmas when I was growing up. I remember sneaking up behind you and yanking on your ears, which you hated, but you always chased me and laughed. You always had a smile on your face, and I sure wish I could've seen it more lately. Much love and sincere condolences from our family to Maria and all who loved you!! Love you, Laurie, Brad, Sam, and Sayler
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