Gary Gene Geier

With hearts grateful for the time we shared, we remember Gary Gene Geier, who passed away on June 17 at the age of 81 in Arlington, Texas. He was called home to the Lord to rejoin his beloved wife of 60 years, Peggy Joyce Geier, just 57 days after her passing. Though saddened by his loss, his family finds comfort in knowing they are reunited.

Gary was born on November 9, 1943, in Girard, Kansas, to Merle Eugene and Ethel Lou Geier. When he was a young boy, his father, Merle, became a truck driver for United Transport, moving the family to Arlington, Texas. His brother, Jimmie Geier, recalls their long drive sitting on yellow vegetable crates in the back of a 1949 Ford two-door sedan. Much to their surprise, Texas wasn't all cowboys, and little did Gary know that Arlington would be where his life truly began.

After moving, Gary, along with his brothers and new best friend (who became a lifelong friend and "wingman"), Ricky Brewer, loved playing baseball in the front yard. His youngest brother, Jack Geier, shared this story: "Gary thought I gave a baseball glove to a friend of mine back in 1979. But, I never gave that glove to anyone...because I never saw it. He insisted it was in a barrel in [our] mom and dad's garage, but I never had ownership of those barrels. I don't know if he ever believed me, but we made a joke of it for the last 45 years." This story perfectly encapsulates Gary's spirit — he never missed an opportunity to joke around and loved making people laugh. His family will miss his jokes, but most importantly, his contagious laughter.

Years later, Gary met the love of his life, Peggy, after a nighttime drive with Ricky around downtown Arlington. After a bit, Gary finally worked up the courage to speak to Peggy, and their love story slowly became history. Just this past year, they celebrated 60 years of marriage. They raised three beautiful children, Judy, Gary, and Merle, and were eventually blessed with two grandchildren, Kayla Geier (husband Matthew) and Gary Geier III.

Over the years, their loving home became everyone's home — a place of comfort where all were welcome. Every holiday, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other celebrations were spent there. They welcomed friends and neighbors alike; so much so, that one year a couple spent several hours with the family on Thanksgiving, only to discover they were at the wrong house!

Gary's life revolved around his family, whom he always put first. He was a born leader, a hard worker, and the most generous man you could ever meet. Gary was always the first to show up, no matter the circumstance, and the last to ever ask for anything in return. For more than 45 years, Gary was a member of the Sam Pack dealership family, building a career rooted in trust and commitment. He took great pride in his work and made numerous lifelong friends whom he cherished deeply.

His friendships also extended to animals – there was never an animal he didn't bond with. He had Charlie (his squirrels in the front yard), his "Girls" (birds) on the beach in Panama City, far too many pets he let his children and grandchildren bring home (including two turtles, three hermit crabs and a bird), along with his many rescue cats in the backyard. But he held a special place in his heart for dogs, especially his beloved companion, Brandy. You could often find them in the evening, with Gary in his recliner in the bedroom, watching NASCAR or Gunsmoke while enjoying an iced tea, with a pimento or grilled cheese sandwich.

Gary was truly one of a kind. He never missed a call, and always left a voicemail to let you know he loved you. There was never a situation he couldn't handle, a moment he couldn't make you laugh, or a story he didn't want to tell you. Growing up, he told all of his kids, grandkids, nieces, and nephews about his favorite show on earth: "The Sheet Show!" — which basically meant it was time for bed.

Gary saw his favorite episode of The Sheet Show on June 17, which his family believes is him starring in a episode, where he walked down the beach in heaven and was rejoined hand in hand with his beloved wife Peggy. He was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy Geier; his parents, Merle and Ethel Geier; his mother-in-law, Margaret Puckett; his sisters-in-law, Jan Geier and Carolyn Puckett; his brothers-in-law, Michael and Robert Puckett; Aunts Barbie Glen, Shirley, and Linda Geier and uncle Jack Hicks – all from Kansas.

Gary is deeply missed and survived by his children, Judy, Gary, and Merle Geier; his grandchildren, Kayla Geier (husband Matthew) and Gary Geier III; his brothers, Jim Geier and his wife Darla Geier, and Jack Geier and his wife Joni Geier; his uncle, Norman Hicks; his sister-in-law, Judy Puckett; his brother-in-law, Garry Puckett and his wife Suzie Puckett; his nieces and nephews, Lisa Geier (husband James), Lara Bradley (partner Rusty), Eric Bradley, Taylor Geier (husband Dallas), Jeff Puckett, and Donnie Puckett (wife Lisa); and his "baby girl," Brandy.