Gary was born October 28, 1952 in his grandparents house, Rev. & Mrs. Omer Lawson, at Big
Sandy, Tn to Bobby and Loretta Horner. Gary is the eldest of seven siblings. Gary graduated
from McNairy Central High School, Selmer, TN in 1970 being the first class to graduate from
this newly built school. He was Vice President of the Senior Class, on the Honor Roll,
yearbook staff and participated in other activities. Gary has high ambitions and worked various
part time jobs throughout his school years. Upon graduation, he attended Jackson State
College, MS. However, the Vietnam War was still very active and his draft number was
classified as 1A which meant unrestricted military duty. Gary decided to voluntarily enlist in the
USAF. Because his test scores were extremely high, they decided to keep him stateside,
asked where he would like to serve. Gary loves the water and beach but at that time, had
never seen the ocean so he decided on Florida. He was sent to Homestead AFB south of
Miami, FL. Gary worked in the Accounting/Finance Division running payroll for the bases in
South Florida, the Water Survival School and those on Temporary Duty. In those days, one of
the houses of the then President was in Miami so when Air Force One came to town, it landed
at Homestead AFB and Gary was called on high alert to assist with what was needed to
accommodate. Gary also maintained 3 jobs; full time in the military and 2 part time jobs. He
has always had a strong work ethic. He also spent time on the beach whenever possible.
Gary met his wife, Pat, while in Homestead. They were friends and companions for a year and
then decided to get married on their lunch hour at the Justice of the Peace returning back to
work. Upon discharge from the USAF, they relocated to Texas. Gary is entrepreneurial and he
and Pat became business owners in the Litigation Support field. Gary pioneered this concept
and was also instrumental in writing laws, with his then client Senator Doggett, to protect this
concept of business from being controlled by other institutions. To this day in the state of
Texas, every litigation support company can operate freely under the laws Gary wrote.
Gary and Pat became ordained Ministers of the Gospel, pioneering churches, bible studies,
hosting missionaries from other countries, always in service and ministry trips abroad. Gary
spent time visiting people in hospitals: presiding over marriage ceremonies, funerals and
baptism’s. They were also instrumental in establishing missions in Zambia, Africa: supplying
food, building churches, buying land to farm and supply food for multitudes, building a well,
providing household goods, chicken coups, taking care of orphans/widows, providing a
medical clinic and purchasing bicycles for Pastor’s in the “bush” of Zambia. God wanted Gary
in “His business”, full time ministry and His plans, so after 30 years Gary left the business
“world” behind. Serving God with all his heart where ever and what ever God called him to do
is Gary’s passion and devotion. In 2018, Gary took the necessary classes to become a CNA to
work with Veterans in the Dementia/Special needs ward at the Montana Veteran’s Home to
“give back”. Many were won to Christ Jesus through his care and time spent with them before
their passing. Gary loves listening to the elderly and their stories. Whether working with the
mentally/physically challenged or the food bank, he is perfectly at ease and engaging treating
everyone the same. He is an example of Christ in word and deed, a man of deep prayer, deep
knowledge/understanding of the Word of God, kind, thoughtful, courteous, unwavering
dedication and faithfulness to God. Always striving to learn more and go deeper in his faith
and relationship with Christ. His generosity of spirit, warmth, and kindness felt by all.
Gary and Pat are celebrating their 50th year of marriage, 48 years in Christ; soul mates and
friends for life and throughout eternity. Gary loves the great outdoors; fishing, kayaking, hiking,
picnics, listening to music outdoors, watching and engaging with the elderly and children, old
western and war movies, historical documentaries and favorites…Andy of Mayberry, The Three
Stooges, The Little Rascals. Friday night = date night movie night with popcorn. He enjoys
quiet, writing/journaling, history, reading epitaphs, sitting outdoors, taking in the beauty of
God’s creation and meditating on the goodness of God with the dogs. Gary is a simple man
and loves simple pleasures, no fanfare. His favorite clothing is blue jeans, t-shirt, sneakers and
a ball cap; always the gentleman and known as the “tall, handsome man in the hat”, his love
and devotion to Pat and always preferring her, and his love for his family.
The memory of the righteous is a blessing. Proverbs 10:7
Gary is preceded by his father, Chandler and many beloved dogs including his favorite white,
deaf boxer which he spoke to through American Sign Language.
Gary is survived by his wife, Pat, children Jason (Kristin) and their children Ethan, Stella;
daughter Vanessa, Joshua and his children Caleb, Morgan, Daphne; his mother Loretta,
siblings Ronnie (Patsy), Clark (Lesia), Cindy (Joey), Kevin (Pam), Richie (Kim), Mark (Shannon)
and many nieces, nephews, cousins, 2 dogs and “Kitty”.
In lieu of flowers, you may consider a donation to: Hand of Help Ministries, PO Box 496719
Garland, TX 75049, Derek Prince Ministries, P.O. Box 19501, Charlotte, NC 28219
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gary Joseph Horner, please visit our flower store.Fairview Cemetery
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