of Tyler, TX
February 28, 1948 - September 28, 2007
Gary Eugene Hooten, age 59, of Tyler, Texas, went to be with the Lord, Friday, September 28, 2007 after courageously facing three months of cancer. A family gathering filled with love and laughter was enjoyed prior to his passing. Gary was born in Little Rock on February 28, 1948 to Eugene Floyd Hooten and Dee Juanelle Beall Hooten. He was a 1966 graduate of Little Rock Central High School, attended the University of Arkansas, and graduated from Little Rock University. Gary was a President of Kappa Sigma Fraternity.
In 1981 Gary moved to Plano, Texas to raise his family and continue his career in banking and credit card sales. He lived in the Dallas area for twenty-two years. He always had a smile on his face and was known for his loyalty to family and friends. Gary served as coach for his children and grandchildren's ball teams, and was an avid Arkansas Razorback and Texas sports enthusiast, particularly the Dallas professional teams.
He was preceded in death by his father.
Survivors include his children, Jamie Frederick and her husband Robert of Tyler, Texas, Andy Hooten of Dallas, Texas and Jonathan Hooten of Tyler, Texas; grandchildren, Carli Elise Hooten of Dallas, Texas, Haddon Wayne Frederick, Caleb Bernard Frederick and Sarah Elizabeth Frederick, all of Tyler, Texas; his mother, Dee Juanelle Beall Hooten; sisters, Vicki Garrett and her husband Wayne of Rogers, Arkansas and Carla Boatright and her husband Stephen of Little Rock; nephews, Shane Cloyd, Blake Cloyd and Christopher Boatright and nieces, Lauren Boatright all of Little Rock, Stephanie King of Fayetteville, Arkansas, and one grand nephew, Austin Cloyd of Little Rock.
The family would like to thank Dr. William Hyman, Dr. Aaron DuVall, and Dr. Brian Lowery of Tyler, Texas.
The funeral service will be held at 10:00 A.M, Tuesday, October 2, 2007 at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home Chapel (501)224-8300 with Mr. Nick Hamilton officiating. Interment will follow at Forest Hills Memorial Park. A reception to celebrate Gary's life will be held following the services at the home of Stephen and Carla Boatright.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Monday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to Trinity Mother Francis Foundation, 611 S. Fleishel, Tyler, Texas 75701.
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41 Condolence(s)
Andy Hooten
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Dad: Thank you, for giving a boy a chance at life. You are the Greatest Dad in World!!!!! I love you with ALL MY HEART. Love, ShuggerPop
Tracy Fox
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Jamie and Family, I am thinking of you all every minute. I loved Gary so much, he was such a sweet man and I am so blessed to have known him and to call his daughter my best friend! Love to everyone!
Wanda Smith Gerke
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
I was sorry to read of Gary's passing in the paper on Sunday. We were neighbors on Jackson Street. I send my love and sympathy to all the family. Love, Wanda Smith Gerke
Rick Carmichael
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Gary, was truely a "Prince" of a man. I never ran into Gary, that he didn't make me smile and feel good about seeing an ole friend. I am thinking of him, and wishing his family peace...regards rick c.
Terry Scott
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Gary was such a sweet, pleasant guy. I went to West Side & Central with Gary & honestly can't think of a single time I saw Gary when he didn't have a smile on his face. His smile will be warmly accepted in Heaven. My thoughts & prayers are with his family. Terry Scott
Tom & Carolyn Wallace
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with Gary's family and many friends. I was lucky enough to know Gary in high school and Tom worked with him at Kolor Print after graduation. What a great person! We will always remember that wonderful smile. We've feel really blessed to have had the opportunity know him.
Jan Werther (McKinney)
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Gary was truly a wonderful person and a good friend. I was so saddened to hear of his illness....Jamie, Andy & Jonathon...you were so blessed to have such a wonderful father...he will be greatly missed. My love and prayers go out to you and your family....
Jamie Frederick
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
I already miss you so much Dad! You touched my life in so many ways. Taught me so many things.,.,,,,,I will forever be indebted to you!!! Love you to the moon and back, jamie f.
Clota (Watkins) Wilson
Monday, October 1, 2007
Gary Was a good frirnd, and a fine person.. Clota (Watkins) Wilson
Don Parrish
Monday, October 1, 2007
I know you do not know me but I was a classmate at Central with Gary. We reacquainted at the various class graduation activities and managed to play some golf from time to time. Please take comfort in the fact that Gary was an open genuine person and a friend to all. I will miss him greatly. Please accept my apologies that I cannot attend the services but my heart will be with you all.
Jessica and Don Pilkington
Monday, October 1, 2007
Gary was such a wonderful man. Don and I were so blessed to have been able to have him in our lives. We had so many wonderful times together, with lots of laughs. Within the short amount of time that he lived next door to us, Gary became such an important part of our lives. He was always there to listen to us, give us advice, share stories and of course make us laugh. I will always remember him. I wish that I would have had the opportunity to tell him how much he meant to both Don and I. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family during this difficult time. I know that Gary is in heaven looking down on us smiling that wonderful smile he always had!
Susan White Warrick & Cleve Warrick
Monday, October 1, 2007
Cleve and I are Class of 66 and just want Gary's Family to know how much fun and laughter he brought to those of us lucky enough to have known him. Our Prayers and Sympathies are and have been with you all since we heard of Gary's illness. We will miss him so very much. Susan and Cleve Warrick
Ruth Webster Howell
Monday, October 1, 2007
It is with great sadness that I learned of Gary's death in the Dallas Morning News yesterday. I extend my deepest condolences to Gary's family and his many, many friends. He was truly blessed with a loving and kind family. He passed this along to all who came in contact with him. It shows in the number of people who remained his friend for decades. His wit, smile and brilliant mind were matched by his kindness, graciousness, respect, and desire to be there for others. His absence will be keenly felt. The void will be partly filled with so many wonderful memories and moments. The remaining space will be bittersweet with the knowledge that his pain is over and that this special person is at peace in God's loving arms. ruth.howell@utdallas.edu
Susie Dennis Harper
Monday, October 1, 2007
Sometimes in life, you find a special friend; Someone who changes your life just by being part of it. Someone who makes you laugh and smile;Someone who makes you believe that there is really good in this world. Gary was a special friend to me. I will always remember his heart of gold, bear hugs and big smile. To Gary's family- Although words seem to say so little, I hope they help in some small way to ease the sense of loss that you are experiencing today. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Susie
Bob Sweeten
Monday, October 1, 2007
Gary was a fine man and most important a great father.
Carol Moravec Barlow
Monday, October 1, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with Gary’s family and friends during this time of sorrow and loss. I was blessed to meet Gary in junior high. I knew at that point, Gary was one of those special people that would touch so many with his kindness, caring and big smile. I have so many great memories of Gary at our reunions and class dinners and parties. He was a great guy. LRCHS - Class of 1966.
Lonnie Brothers
Monday, October 1, 2007
We will all miss him!!
Donna Lansdowne Freeman
Monday, October 1, 2007
I want to personally extend my sympathy and condolences to the family of Gary Hooten. Central High School Class of 1966 has lost another great Tiger. Donna
Brenda Polk Fiser
Monday, October 1, 2007
I was saddened to learn of Gary's death. Please know that his family and friends are held in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
PAT GENTRY CALHOUN
Monday, October 1, 2007
GARY AND I WENT THRU ALL 12 GRADES TOGETHER. HE ALWAYS HAD A SMILE ON HIS FACE AND A FRIENDLY WORD FOR EVERYONE. HE WILL BE MISSED.
Carolyn Johnston
Monday, October 1, 2007
sorry to hear about Gary. he was my cousin. my father's name is Bobby Hooten.
Carolyn Johnston
Monday, October 1, 2007
sorry to hear about Gary.
Caleb Frederick
Monday, October 1, 2007
(Caleb Frederick-grandson 6 years) "I loved Poppa so much. I am going to miss him because he went up to heaven. I am glad his spirit went to heaven to meet his father, He was a good baseball coach. He was a nice man."
haddon
Monday, October 1, 2007
(Haddon Frederick-grandson 7years) Poppa was a good and blessed man he had a great smile, he helped me when I was sick. He was a great poppa to play with. He would always help me when I was down. He loved to watch the Rangers play on tv. He had a healthy spirit. He had good friends. I will miss him from his death.
ROSEMARIE WARREN
Sunday, September 30, 2007
I am Wanda Hootens oldest daughter, Rosemarie. I am so sorry to hear of Garys passing, our thoughts and prayers are with you . GOD BLESS ROSEMARIE & WANDA
Andrew and Kelly Kirkpatrick
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Jamie and Rob - You are in our thoughts and prayers. We love you. We always loved Gary's smile.
Gordon & Linda Taylor
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Gary was a very dear friend and will be missed by all his classmates from the LRCHS Class of 66. Our condolences and prayers go out to his family. Gordon & Linda Taylor
Gary Russ
Sunday, September 30, 2007
I remember in Jr. High, Gary played football for West Side, along with Gary Tate, Gary Hammonds, Cleve Warrick, Bob Warren, Larry Lee, and others. They had a great team. I played for East Side. They killed us. In the 10th grade when I went out for football, I thought those guys are going to be animals. They actually turned out to be nice guys. Gary Hooten was the nicest. We had many good times together. I wish we hadn't drifted so far apart over the years. But, I am thankful that Gary knew Christ, and we can rest assured he is with Jesus today. For his family I pray for strength and comfort.
George & Olga Nowik
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Gary was a dear friend to our family as well as to most people he met. Throughout the years he was known to be a devoted Father and Grandfather and a respected professional to many fortune 500 companies. He touched many people in many ways. His smile was contagious & recognizable a mile away and we will remember the good times and personal moments we shared. May God have mercy upon his soul. Memory Eternal.
Sue O'Dea
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Having known Gary for many years, I can truly say the he was one of the nicest people that you would ever want to meet. What a great smile! My prayers and condolences are with the family for their loss. God Bless.
Linda Brown
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Hello, I am Gary's cousin from Texas. My mother is Wanda Hooten, uncle Eugene's sister. I remember Gary from when we were little kids in Arkansas. I was very sad to here of his passing and that he lived so near the rest of his cousins in Texas and we never knew. I read it in the paper in Dallas today and have called some of my brothers and sisters and my mom Wanda to let them know. Just wanted to let his family know they are in our prayers at this difficult time. May GOD bless you all.
Marsha McCool Hollensworth
Sunday, September 30, 2007
I just want you to know that Gary and I went back for a long time (as friends !!)and I never saw him without a smile on his handsome face. It was always a joy to see !! He always had a nice smile and a kind word for everyone. I know all of us will miss him sorely. We always teased each other about our birthdays---- his being a very few days before mine!! I will miss and love him alot and my thoughts and prayers will be with you all. Sadly, Marsha
Paul
Saturday, September 29, 2007
While in New York, I always make it a point to visit St. Patrick's Cathedral and light a candle and say a prayer. I may give quiet thanks for all that I am blessed with or remember friends and family members who are no longer with us or just enjoy the quiet solitude of a most beautiful Church. On my last visit, I lit a candle for those friends and classmates who are no longer with us. Gary, I enjoyed playing "sand lot" football with you and the fun times that we had as a Kappa Sigma. Our prayers are with you and your family. God Speed, Paul Craig LRCentral High - Class of 1966 Kappa Sigma - UALR
Sharon Whitley Moseley
Saturday, September 29, 2007
I visited with Gary at the 1966 Reunion and he was the same good ole boy as he was in high school. I am from the 1968 LRCHS class. He always had a smile on his face. I am sure when he reached those Pearly Gates he was still smileing. I am praying for your family. God will get you thru this and you all will be reunited again someday. God Bless You All ! Sharon Whitley Moseley
Melinda Hooper Marks
Saturday, September 29, 2007
My prayers are with Gary's family as they share his loss with his many friends. He was a much-loved Tiger, and his absence will leave a hole in our reunion gatherings in the years to come. He leaves behind so many good, fun memories. I am so sorry that we will miss the visitation and funeral; we will be out of town for our daughter's wedding. Love to all, Melinda Hooper Marks
Gloria (Queen) Hoppe
Saturday, September 29, 2007
My condolences to Gary's family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I doubt that Gary would have even remembered me but I certainly remember him. When we were classmates at Central High, Gary touched my soul. He brightened my days by simply talking to me. It meant so much to me to be noticed, even in such a seemingly small way, by someone everyone liked. His example of cheering up a person has popped into my thoughts many times over these forty years and that act of kindness has motivated me to pass along a cheerful thought to others. In that way, Gary has touched thousands of lives. Gary will be greatly missed.
Windell Stephens
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Our thoughts a prayers have been with Gary for sometime now and continue for his family and loved ones. We will truely miss Gary and cherish the fond memories we all carry from the carefree days of our youth so joyously shared. May God bless and keep you close forever.
Linda Heffington Vanwinkle
Friday, September 28, 2007
I am thinking of and praying for the family.
Jane Hollis Bullington
Friday, September 28, 2007
Dear Family of Gary, I knew Gary from junior high through graduation at Central High. I always counted him as a friend, a very good friend. We had many good times together over those several years. I am so sad for his early death; I know he will be missed dearly. From his testimony to me in those early days, Gary is a Christian, and I know I will see him again. I pray for this to be of comfort to you, as well. Praying for all of you, in Him, with love, Jane Hollis Bullington
John E. Terry
Friday, September 28, 2007
My memories of Gary in High School are good ones. My condolenses and prayers go out to his family.
Carolyn O'Cain
Friday, September 28, 2007
Showers of God's blessings and peace upon you all during this time. In His love, Carolyn O'Cain, Class of LRCHS 1966