Gary Ray Durham, born March 19, 1952, passed away at his home in Argyle Texas on September 16, 2023, after a long illness. Gary was born and raised in Crofton, Kentucky. He was the first-born son of Barrett E. and Beth Durham. To say Gary was active would be an understatement. From the time he could walk, he was always into something, whether playing with his dog, riding his horse, or getting into mischief with his brother, Randy. Gary attended Crofton Elementary School and Christian County High School, where he was a standout athlete in both basketball and baseball. Shortly after high school, Gary married his high school sweetheart, Deborah, and began their family. Gary was always an extremely hard worker and a wonderful provider to his family. While living in Kentucky, Gary worked for Peabody Coal Company and did some part-time farming. He was a 15-year member of the United States Army Reserves and a member of Crofton Christian Church. In 1989, he took an opportunity and moved his family to Texas. There, they struck out on a new adventure and built a great life in the Lone Star state. He worked for years for Alcoa, and later for Luminant Energy, until retiring in 2015. Shortly after moving to Texas, he became a member of Round Rock Christian Church. But Gary never forgot where he was from. His strong family roots would ground and drive him to always put family first.
Gary was an avid outdoorsman. He loved bird hunting, fishing, and golf. He was known as a amazing shot whether using his 12 or 20-gauge Browning shotguns. He was always quick to tell you about the big bass he pulled out of Lake Fork in Texas, although the size might change depending on who he was telling the story to. He was always ready to talk about the hole-in-one that he made, never shying away from bragging about what a great shot it was. But ultimately, his greatest pride and joy was his family. He would always draw attention to his beautiful wife, wonderful sons, and perfect grandkids. He loved doting on his family and never wanted to go anywhere or do anything that didn’t include them.
Gary is preceded in death by his father, Barrett E. Durham, his maternal grandparents, Dewey and Carmen Cansler, his paternal grandparents, Walter Sherman Durham, and Amy Lacy Durham Lanier, his parents-in-law, George William and Billie Jean Hamby, his Uncle Harper and Aunt Muriel Blakely, as well as numerous other aunts and uncles, and other family, all of whom undoubtedly celebrated when he joined them in Heaven. He is survived by his wife, Deborah Hamby Durham; his son, Todd Ray Durham (Viviana), his son; Trent Ray Durham; his three grandchildren, Savannah Elizabeth Hayek (Dalton), Sydney Rae Durham, and William Barrett Durham; his mother Anna Beth Durham; his brother Randy Durham (Cheryl) and sister Connie Pryor (Greg).
Visitation will be held at Crofton Christian Church on September 23, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Crofton Christian Church on September 23, 2023, at 12 p.m. Burial to follow at Ridgetop Cemetery. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Crofton Christian Church and/or the National Alzheimer’s Foundation. The family would also like to extend a special thank you to Angel Hands Hospice for all their dedication and kindness throughout Gary’s care.
