Gary Joseph Horner

 Gary was born October 28, 1952 in his grandparents house, Rev. & Mrs. Omer Lawson, at Big

Sandy, Tn to Bobby and Loretta Horner. Gary is the eldest of seven siblings. Gary graduated

from McNairy Central High School, Selmer, TN in 1970 being the first class to graduate from

this newly built school. He was Vice President of the Senior Class, on the Honor Roll,

yearbook staff and participated in other activities. Gary has high ambitions and worked various

part time jobs throughout his school years. Upon graduation, he attended Jackson State

College, MS. However, the Vietnam War was still very active and his draft number was

classified as 1A which meant unrestricted military duty. Gary decided to voluntarily enlist in the

USAF. Because his test scores were extremely high, they decided to keep him stateside,

asked where he would like to serve. Gary loves the water and beach but at that time, had

never seen the ocean so he decided on Florida. He was sent to Homestead AFB south of

Miami, FL. Gary worked in the Accounting/Finance Division running payroll for the bases in

South Florida, the Water Survival School and those on Temporary Duty. In those days, one of

the houses of the then President was in Miami so when Air Force One came to town, it landed

at Homestead AFB and Gary was called on high alert to assist with what was needed to

accommodate. Gary also maintained 3 jobs; full time in the military and 2 part time jobs. He

has always had a strong work ethic. He also spent time on the beach whenever possible.

Gary met his wife, Pat, while in Homestead. They were friends and companions for a year and

then decided to get married on their lunch hour at the Justice of the Peace returning back to

work. Upon discharge from the USAF, they relocated to Texas. Gary is entrepreneurial and he

and Pat became business owners in the Litigation Support field. Gary pioneered this concept

and was also instrumental in writing laws, with his then client Senator Doggett, to protect this

concept of business from being controlled by other institutions. To this day in the state of

Texas, every litigation support company can operate freely under the laws Gary wrote.

Gary and Pat became ordained Ministers of the Gospel, pioneering churches, bible studies,

hosting missionaries from other countries, always in service and ministry trips abroad. Gary

spent time visiting people in hospitals: presiding over marriage ceremonies, funerals and

baptism’s. They were also instrumental in establishing missions in Zambia, Africa: supplying

food, building churches, buying land to farm and supply food for multitudes, building a well,

providing household goods, chicken coups, taking care of orphans/widows, providing a

medical clinic and purchasing bicycles for Pastor’s in the “bush” of Zambia. God wanted Gary

in “His business”, full time ministry and His plans, so after 30 years Gary left the business

“world” behind. Serving God with all his heart where ever and what ever God called him to do

is Gary’s passion and devotion. In 2018, Gary took the necessary classes to become a CNA to

work with Veterans in the Dementia/Special needs ward at the Montana Veteran’s Home to

“give back”. Many were won to Christ Jesus through his care and time spent with them before

their passing. Gary loves listening to the elderly and their stories. Whether working with the

mentally/physically challenged or the food bank, he is perfectly at ease and engaging treating

everyone the same. He is an example of Christ in word and deed, a man of deep prayer, deep

knowledge/understanding of the Word of God, kind, thoughtful, courteous, unwavering

dedication and faithfulness to God. Always striving to learn more and go deeper in his faith

and relationship with Christ. His generosity of spirit, warmth, and kindness felt by all.

Gary and Pat are celebrating their 50th year of marriage, 48 years in Christ; soul mates and

friends for life and throughout eternity. Gary loves the great outdoors; fishing, kayaking, hiking,

picnics, listening to music outdoors, watching and engaging with the elderly and children, old

western and war movies, historical documentaries and favorites…Andy of Mayberry, The Three

Stooges, The Little Rascals. Friday night = date night movie night with popcorn. He enjoys

quiet, writing/journaling, history, reading epitaphs, sitting outdoors, taking in the beauty of

God’s creation and meditating on the goodness of God with the dogs. Gary is a simple man

and loves simple pleasures, no fanfare. His favorite clothing is blue jeans, t-shirt, sneakers and

a ball cap; always the gentleman and known as the “tall, handsome man in the hat”, his love

and devotion to Pat and always preferring her, and his love for his family.

The memory of the righteous is a blessing. Proverbs 10:7

Gary is preceded by his father, Chandler and many beloved dogs including his favorite white,

deaf boxer which he spoke to through American Sign Language.

Gary is survived by his wife, Pat, children Jason (Kristin) and their children Ethan, Stella;

daughter Vanessa, Joshua and his children Caleb, Morgan, Daphne; his mother Loretta,

siblings Ronnie (Patsy), Clark (Lesia), Cindy (Joey), Kevin (Pam), Richie (Kim), Mark (Shannon)

and many nieces, nephews, cousins, 2 dogs and “Kitty”.

In lieu of flowers, you may consider a donation to: Hand of Help Ministries, PO Box 496719

Garland, TX 75049, Derek Prince Ministries, P.O. Box 19501, Charlotte, NC 28219