Gary Lynn Gorham

Graveside services for Gary Lynn Gorham, 71, of Lake Kiowa, formerly of Wichita Falls, is set for 2:00 PM Sunday, April 24, 2016 at Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home. No visitation is planned.

Mr. Gorham passed away peacefully Thursday, April 21, 2016 in Dallas, Texas at William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital; surrounded by family following a brave battle with cancer. He was 71.

Those that knew Gary, remember him as honest, kind, loyal, generous and tough as nails. He was always ready with a joke, if you needed a laugh, or his checkbook, if your cause needed support. He impacted countless lives with his love, humor and generosity.

Gary Lynn Gorham was born in Wichita Falls, Texas, March 31, 1945. He spent the bulk of his adult life in Wichita Falls where he was a well-known businessman.

Gary married his high school sweetheart Carolyn Kruger in 1964. After spending years in the military and working in the family jewelry business, in 1987, Gary and Carolyn invested in their own business in Wichita Falls. Together they ran several successful business enterprises, most notably Pipeline Land Services and Express Personnel Services. They were business partners, best friends, and together, supported number of worthy local causes in the community.

Born and raised in Wichita Falls, Gary attended Wichita Falls High School. He was a standout football player from 1959-1962 during the memorable Coyote Football run of four straight State Title appearances, helping bring home the 1961 State Championship. He went on to play football at SMU and later earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Midwestern State University. He also earned a Master of Science Degree in Computer Science in 1981. He was a member of the United States Air Force where he achieved a lifelong dream of flying jets. He served for 10 years and was stationed all over the world, including California, Utah, Hawaii and Korea. He attained the rank of Captain before leaving active service.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Carolyn; son, Jason Gorham and wife Karen with daughters Lexie and Livie; son, Jeff Altizer and wife Kim with children Annie, Ben and Kate; daughter Mendy Bristol and husband David with children Drew, Makenzie and Julia; brother Ronnie; nephews and nieces, Brent, James and Brian Higginbotham; Stacy Colleen Nameth, Allison Kamber, Orna Ziv, Ariel, Dan, and Daphna Kruger; and many more family, friends and loved ones.

He is preceded in death by his daughter Amy Gorham-Jones; parents, Marguerite and Woodrow Gorham; and sister Lorna Higginbotham.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Home Hospice of Cooke County at www.homehospice.org.