The Austin College community is saddened by the death of senior trustee Raymond “Jerdy” Gary of Denison, Texas, on May 5, 2021, and extends sympathy to his wife, Anne, and family. Gary, a petroleum entrepreneur, public servant, and long-time resident of Denison, was 87 at his death. His leadership extended beyond his business, Sooner Oil, to his years as mayor of Denison and chair of Texoma Medical Center, and in additional service to his church, city, and family.
Gary served on Austin College’s Board of Trustees from 1992 to 1995, active on the Business Affairs Committee, and remained on the senior board until his death. He was a supporter of the College’s Annual Fund as well as several scholarship initiatives.
A memorial service was held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 8, at Waples Memorial Church in Denison, Texas, after a private interment ceremony. Reverends Justin Miller and Jim Bowen officiated. Sign the Guest Book.
The Family Obituary:
Jerdy is survived by his wife, Anne Gary; his sister Mona Waymire, his children, James Daniel Gary, Louanne Gary, and Raymond Jerdy Gary Jr.; four grandchildren; Clare Owens, Hannah Gary, Dana Gary, and Raymond Jerdy Gary III “Trey”, and one great grandchild, Trenton Blake Owens, Jr.
Jerdy was born in Madill, Oklahoma in 1933 to Raymond and Emma Gary. He married his high school sweetheart, Anne Hamill, whom he had been married to for 66 years at his death. Shortly after marriage, Jerdy joined the Army, serving two years. Jerdy and Anne then returned to the University of Oklahoma where he finished his business degree, graduating in 1958. Jerdy briefly worked in father’s business in Madill, Oklahoma, before deciding to start his own petroleum company. This led Jerdy and Anne to Denison, Texas, where he started Sooner Oil Company, which become a successful petroleum company over the next four decades.
Jerdy was first and foremost a believer who loved his Lord and church. He was a devoted father and family man, which remained a priority to him until his last day. Jerdy loved to travel and attend OU football games, traveling to all the home games and many of the away and bowl games with his family. Jerdy was well known to everyone as a selfless public servant. His service accomplishments are too long to list, but most notably he was proud of his work with his church, his various leadership roles, including chairman for over twenty years of Texoma Medical Center, president of Texas Oil Marketers Association, and mayor of Denison. Like his father, the former Governor of Oklahoma, Jerdy passionately believed in the importance of relationships and public service. He felt that was his “calling.”
A memorial service is scheduled for 11a.m. on Saturday, May 8, at Waples Memorial Church in Denison, Texas. The family will meet for a private interment ceremony prior to the memorial service at 11am. Reverends Justin Miller and Jim Bowen will officiate.
Memorials may be offered to Waples Memorial Methodist Church or Texoma Health Foundation.
Arrangements are under the direction of Fisher Funeral Home in Denison.