Memories of Gary Roy Countryman | Ever Loved

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In memory of

Gary Roy Countryman

Magnolia, TX

January 19, 1938 - February 16, 2021

Jan 19, 1938 - Feb 16, 2021

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Jim Sievert

The abundance that Gary provided, and the void he left in passing is filled by that essence he found, and the lesson he freely distributed and even said by others:…. “The point is that you serve someone. And by serving others, you will begin to notice that strange, empty feeling begin to dissipate until one day, you find yourself smiling all the time”. This was the treasure that Gary passed along.

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Matt Sieger

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Matt Sieger

I met Gary about 21 years ago. I was so young, and he was so very nice to me - giving me words of encouragement and opening his home to me on many, many occasions. Peg was equally generous. It's been about 13 years since I have seen him, but I think of him incredibly often as I have grown in my life and responsibilities. His smile. His kind words full of wisdom. His hugs. And of course, his blue jumpsuit.

As I look at my home, my children, my life - his impact on me is immeasurable. May our loving God grant you eternal peace, my friend. I miss you.

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Merle Countryman

I am very proud to be Gary's younger brother. He always watched out for me and was one of my greatest supporters. I could go to him with the biggest problem or greatest success. He thought no more or no less in all circumstances.
He gives me steps to walk in even now.
May I be the great the same example to my family and friends that he was to me. I pray that I will be reunited with him some day. The world is a better place because of Gary.

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In response to "What made Gary different from most people you know?"

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Julie Countryman

Jim Sievert

Jim Sievert

I saw Gary help others on numerous occasions. He would often bring items for donation to a particular recipient for delivery after our Saturday morning breakfasts. He was often the first to greet new people into gatherings. That in itself was something that was very memorable to one friend who had moved into the area and didn’t know anyone; in fact that fellow still remarks about that memory. I also recall that he once purchased a used pickup truck so one young fellow could have transportation to get to a job. Gary was always a listening ear for any thought or event that was going on in my life. I believe R.W. Emerson said “your actions are so loud I cannot hear you”. Gary always was a man of character and actions; actions which were often subtle but alarmingly loud in effectiveness. He had an infectious grin and a great teller of useful experience. He was a great friend and the big brother I needed to replace the one I had lost to cancer.

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Julie Countryman

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Rex Henderson

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Julie Countryman

Alan Arbizu

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Julie Countryman

Linda Whatley

Gary was always friendly. My husband and I met Gary and Peggy through the Abandoned Animal Shelter when it started back in early 2000s. We also live in the same neighborhood. I enjoyed seeing him in his typical overalls....He was always wanting to help our Abandoned Animal Rescue shelter. We would brainstorm ideas to help create regular donations to the shelter. He and Peg were always supportive with the shelter. I will miss his kind face and demeanor.

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Julie Countryman

Jim Sievert

I met Gary in May of 1998. He was dressed in his blue jumpsuit uniform that he often wore. I believe it was a month before his father passed away. In time we became friends and he and Peg had us to their home off Memorial and later in Magnolia. They both came to my wife (Suzanne’s) birthday and they also came to an annual 4th of July gathering at our home in Katy. Gary and I and other friends met each Saturday morning for over ten years for breakfast and fellowship. He was a giver and for me a sooooper mentor. That was the kind of terminology he might have used with that big grin he often wore. I think the last time was at his 80th birthday at his neighbors. And the last time I talked with him was shortly after his operation. When he was moved to the cardiac care facility in Katy, I tried to visit, but the closest I got was to talk with one of his attendants “Heather”. He was only 3 miles from our home. So near and so far. Like many of you I will hold him in my heart and I am sure he has rejoined Peg and all the dogs that crossed a rainbow bridge ahead of him. Rest well my friend. Yours was a life well lived!

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In response to "How did you first meet Gary?"

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Julie Countryman

Pat Byars

Gary you will be missed. Byron and I have many fond memories of visiting with you and Peggy. When Peggy and I would start visiting and remembering past events, we would often not finish our stories because we knew what the other one was going to say. Gary and Byron were always willing to just sit and listen.

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Dinah Menard

Very sorry to hear of Gary's passing. But was so happy to hear about the FULL life he had! I did not know about all his accomplishments, but not surprised. Always knew he was a smart guy.

I really appreciated his love of animals and all he did to help the shelter animals. Very kind person. Hopefully his babies are going to another loving family, quite sure they are!

Gary will be missed, he gave so much. Pretty sure he was greeted by many creatures at Rainbow Bridge!

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Julie Countryman

Karen Anne Byars Hall

The Three Puppy Girls: Samantha Anne (front, mother), Simone Cherie (left), Paris (right)

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Linda Swindling

Amy Rooney

Amy Rooney

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Julie Countryman

Amy Rooney

2014, Palm Desert, CA, USA

Uncle Gary lovingly joining our wedding day in California ❤️

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Karen Anne Byars Hall

Julie Countryman

Linda Swindling

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Amy Rooney

Uncle Gary you were so funny and your laugh was contagious. You had the biggest heart and I will never forget... Read more Uncle Gary you were so funny and your laugh was contagious. You had the biggest heart and I will never forget you meeting me on... Read more Uncle Gary you were so funny and your laugh was contagious.... Read more

Bo Countryman

Gary Countryman

My Uncle.

A contagious grin and a loving heart

He was a man of few words, but many wise cracks

He showed compassion and care for the creation and cultivation of life in his greenhouse and in his research.

Gary was a friend to many stray dogs from his fav shelter and drunks from his favorite meetings

His genuine confidence was self evident in his actions and work.

Lived a life filled with passion for travel and living abroad

Loyal and devoted to his wife even to the end

A Mathematical genius and domino champ

Deep well specialist with an understanding of the earth and how geology impacts all of us

Never a day without jimmy dean & blue bell with his dog by his side

Regular at the noon meeting, Mel’s diner, and the pews on Sundays

Weekends filled with Brunch with the Dobson’s & dinner with Brad & Helen was

Always a morning mediation & daily conversations with pop

Roasts & BBQs in the yard will always fill my heart with fond memories of our time on vesta court.

Helped break the cycle of our ancestral oppression & poverty, uplifting generations to come even while never truly celebrating our heritage.

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Amy Rooney

Karen Anne Byars Hall

Julie Countryman

Linda Swindling

Taylor Swindling

Bo Countryman

Magnolia, TX, USA

Gary & Pop

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Amy Rooney

Karen Anne Byars Hall

Julie Countryman

Bo Countryman

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Julie Countryman

Linda Swindling

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Amy Rooney

Karen Anne Byars Hall

Julie Countryman

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Linda Swindling

Gary and Byron with the twins Peggy and Pat. Gary and Byron with the twins Peggy and Pat. Gary and Byron with the twins Peggy and Pat.

Linda Swindling

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Jim Sievert

Karen Anne Byars Hall

Julie Countryman

Linda Swindling

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Jim Sievert

Karen Anne Byars Hall

Linda Swindling

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Jim Sievert

Karen Anne Byars Hall

Linda Swindling

I remember meeting up with Uncle Gary for dinner when I'd come to do a training program in Houston. At one dinner, he was so surprised when I reached for the check. I said he had given me plenty of business advice through the years and this dinner was a thank you and a "business expense."

When Gary liked something in my business newsletter, he called me. And would remind me that I needed to write one soon. In fact, he emailed me to let me know he hadn't seen one in a while. Did I have his new address?

Gregg and I'll always remember Uncle Gary's kindness to our kids, Parker and Taylor. During a semester in college, Parker live with Gary while he did his accounting internship to help Parker save money. They hung out and cooked and talked about life and travels. He was so appreciative of Parker singing at Aunt Peggy's funeral. In our calls, Gary always asked about the kids. He was so proud of all his nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

I remember so many breakfasts as a family at the Hilton Garden Inn. He would lean back, smile, and just laugh at all the commotion. He and Peggy were my parents best advocates. There were several times when one of them would remind us how great our mom and dad were. I'll remember the birthday cards. When you called them, Gary would talk for a few minutes then that was enough, and he'd say, "OK I'll hand you over to Peg."

I remember hearing about their trips to exotic places and the fun they had in experience different cultures were the best. I remember so many celebrations. He beamed when Aunt Peggy was honored as an outstanding alum of Baylor Dental and shook so many people's hands.

I remember Gary and Peggy sitting next to people they didn't know at weddings, graduations, and parties. At the end, our friends would always thank us for seating them by the Countryman's because they were so entertaining and had instantly became friends. I

I'll miss knowing my Uncle is in Houston and our calls to touch base or talk about life. 'll miss his wisdom, his support, and hearing dog stories and the joy he had growing those orchids.

Gary was smart, kind, and strong enough to be vulnerable. Anyone who knew him, know he gave his whole heart to the things and people he loved. God Bless!

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Karen Anne Byars Hall

Karen Anne Byars Hall

I have so very, very many memories.

I remember their wedding, mainly because there was a pool, and I had a broken arm. I also remember there was a fire alarm during the reception. As I got older, my memories are more vivid, and they are better than a broken arm.

I remember birthday cards with a dollar for every year old I was. I remember going to see them as a child. I remember playing with their pachinko machine and their 1-arm bandit. If you used his nickels, you had to replace the winnings in the basket in the drawer. However, if you supplied your own nickels, you could keep the winnings. I met my pen pal one Easter when we went for a visit. As I got older, I loved to play with their 3 black, Standard Poodles--Samantha Anne, Simone, & Paris.

I remember how the puppy girls would react to Uncle Gary casually mentioning "squirrel" or "lizard" in a sentence. I remember their house at 806 Daria Drive as my college oasis. I would hang out, do my laundry, and they would feed me. I spent many nights in the brown bedroom. The two of them were gracious hosts. I had a bridal shower for a roommate, a party for my coworkers, and so many meals. I spent countless weekends with them. While my classmates went home for the weekend, I went there.

Uncle Gary & Aunt Peggy's residence continued to be my home base upon graduating from SHSU & moving to Houston. I remember Uncle Gary skipping rope for exercise. He'd get up early, take the dogs for a car ride, and then let the puppy girls run along the bayou. I remember him calling Aunt Peggy "Pet," and he called his pets "Pal."

I remember his blue coveralls. He had the kind with one, very long zipper, a patch on the left breast pocket. He would ask for those for Christmas. Why? "Well," followed by a little pause & a half-smile, "I like blue."

OH! And how many years did I pretend I bought the perfect Christmas present for Gary to give his bride? Countless! Peggy would buy something for herself. I would then pretend I had been to Palais Royale's sale & found something perfect for him to give her. It was a grand production. Peggy would sneak it from her trunk to me. Then I would sneak it up to the brown bedroom, and later sneak it down to him. I wonder if he was on to us. Probably so...he was rather smart.

I remember telephoning him and his response to me answering his question was usually, "Well, that's just super, Karen." I hope I will always remember how he would say “soooper.” You could hear the smile in his voice. Rest in peace Uncle Gary.

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Jim Sievert

Linda Swindling

Comments:

Linda Swindling

Wonderful memories. I remember you being Uncle Gary's and Aunt Peggy's flower girl with your dress and cast.... Read more Wonderful memories. I remember you being Uncle Gary's and Aunt Peggy's flower girl with your dress and cast. Forgot about the ... Read more Wonderful memories. I remember you being Uncle Gary's... Read more

Debbie Payne

Gary was the first person that welcomed us to High Meadow Ranch. I will always remember our chats as he rode his bicycle in the afternoons. I smile when I think about the car rides he gave his dogs around the neighborhood each and every afternoon. I will truly miss seeing and talking to him.

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Karen Anne Byars Hall

Julie Countryman

Laurie Wiggins

Gary was kind, gentle and honest. He always seemed Peaceful & I loved his voice. I feel blessed to have known him. He will be greatly missed but I rejoice that he is with his Higher Power & his Beloved Peg for eternity. My condolences to his family and those he mentored. God bless and keep you.

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Karen Anne Byars Hall

Julie Countryman

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Created with love by Julie Countryman (Gary's sister).

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