Gary Wayne French

Gary Wayne French of Corpus Christi, Texas passed away August 14 surrounded by family. He was the oldest of six and was raised on a farm outside Portland, Texas, where the French kids had many fun adventures over the years.

He was preceded in death by his children, Gary Wayne French, Jr. and Erin Kay French. He was also preceded by his parents, L.W.(Buzzy) and Mary Ann French and his in-laws, Jimmie and Martha Morgan, that loved him like a son. He is survived by his wife, Miriam French whom he would have celebrated 51 years of marriage with on September 1. He is survived by his sister, Carol Mayfield, (Lynn) of Midland, Texas; his brothers, Ray French, (Carolyn) of Portland, Texas, Stacy French, (Cynthia) of Odem, Texas, Troy French, ( Jane) of The Woodlands, Texas and Chris French, ( Katie) of Portland, Texas. He is also survived by his grandchildren, who lovingly called him Pa, Noah French of Austin, Texas, Caleb French of Colleyville, Texas and Bekah and Justice Imhoff of Corpus Christi. Gary had many cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and family that dearly loved him.

Gary was a member of the Church of Christ at Riverside, where he had served as a Bible class teacher, Deacon and then as an Elder.

He was a pipe fitter until 1974, when he had a motorcycle accident that changed his life for ever. He spent the next 50 years in a wheelchair, but it didn’t stop him from enjoying life. Gary returned to college and graduated from Corpus Christi State University in 1980. He became a computer programmer with the City of Portland and then the City of Corpus Christi, where he worked 34 years.

Gary loved his family, church family, and friends, but he dearly loved God & showed it in everything he did. He will leave a void in this world that will never be replaced.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Church of Christ at Riverside at another time.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Church of Christ at Riverside, 4701 Cornett Drive, to support Southwest School of Biblical Studies, Southeast School of Biblical Studies and Hensel Youth Camp in Gary’s memory.