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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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Gary Roy Countryman was born in Ventura, CA on January 19, 1938 to Kenneth Leon Countryman and Ruth Hastings Countryman (Baxter), both of Santa Paula, California.

Gary grew up in the town of Santa Paula, CA, surrounded by a large extended family of many cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. He attended Santa Paula High School, graduating in 1955 with honors. He excelled as a scholar and earned entrance to University of California, Berkeley where he graduated with a BS and MS in Petroleum Engineering and was admitted to the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa honor society.

Gary began his 26-year career with Conoco Petroleum in Ponca City, Oklahoma, as a research scientist. Soon after he was promoted through the managerial ladder and transferred to Eagle Pass, TX, Midland TX, Odessa, TX, Oklahoma City, OK, Lake Charles, LA, Casper WY, Houston, TX. In 1977, he earned a second master’s degree in Business Administration from the Sloan School of Management at MIT. In 1975, Gary married the love of his life, Peggy Countryman (Ward), and they began their life overseas together when Gary was transferred to Cairo and Dubai. After several years overseas, Gary retired from Conoco and they returned to the greater Houston area where Gary became a consulting engineer until his retirement in 2018.

Gary leaves behind a multitude of friends and many family members who mourn his passing. He was preceded in death by his beloved Peg and his dear parents, Kenneth, and Ruth Countryman. He leaves behind a brother, Merle Countryman (Kathy), sister Julie Countryman, and many nieces and nephews: Joe Countryman, Bo Countryman, Annie Zarrinpar (Ali), Amy Rooney(Sean), Emily Phillips (Landon) and Hannah Phillips (Jeff). He is also survived by his wife, Peg’s twin sister, Pat Byars (Byron) and their children, Trey Byars, Karen Anne Byars, and Linda Swindling (Gregg).

Gary and Peg were both exceptional people and it was only natural that they made an ideal couple. They both embraced being of service by giving of their time, talent, and generosity to various nonprofit organizations. A lover of dogs, they volunteered with Abandoned Animal Rescue, cancer charities, community programs, and their church, Lakewood United Methodist which they loved, and credited their higher power for their many blessings. They both saw the value in education and often helped those less fortunate provide educations for their children.

After Peg passed away in 2013, Gary focused his time on helping others heal, working in his greenhouse with his prized orchids, providing a loving home for his beloved standard poodle rescues, Riley and most recently, Reese, a labradoodle. He also enjoyed spending time with his dearest friends and neighbors, Brad and Kristy Dobson, and Bud and Helene Hoover.

A virtual service will be held on March 25th at 10 a.m. (CST). https://www.youtube.com/watch…

The service will also be recorded and posted at www.lakewoodumc.org/memorial-…

To view the slideshow from the memorial service: https://youtu.be/Ln1NYdAo2YA

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