Gary Lee Naylor
7 years ago
Gary was born on Feb. 2, 1961 in Amarillo to James W. and Kathryn Eckman Naylor. He grew up in the Texas panhandle and graduated from high school in Dimmitt, Texas. Gary then attended West Texas State University where he played football. He worked various jobs and moved to Midland where he worked for United Parcel Service (UPS) for 31 years until his passing. He loved working for UPS along with his UPS family. Gary married the love of his life Vikki Murphy on June 16, 1990 and they shared 27 wonderful years together.
He was a loving and devoted son, husband, brother, father, uncle, cousin and PaPa. When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed hanging out and relaxing with family and friends. Gary’s other passion was going out on the lake in his boat. He loved boating and enjoyed teaching people to ski and tube. Gary and Vikki also own and operate Preston’s Play Yard on College Hills Blvd. When Gary wasn’t working or out on the boat, he was awarded the title of “Mr. Fixit” by his family and friends. Gary could fix just about anything and would tinker around with anything that needed fixing.
His absolute favorite pastime was telling stories with his family and friends. Gary was always the life of the party and delivered the most beautiful speeches. He had numerous affiliations but most notably, was his involvement with United Way. Gary’s humor and love and devotion to his family will remain in our hearts forever! He will dearly miss him.
Gary was preceded in death by his grandparents, Clara and Don Eckman and Elma and J.L. “Slick” Naylor; his mother and father-in-law, Jerry Murphy and Jacquelyn Bickham Hawley.
He is survived by his wife, Vikki Naylor, of San Angelo; his daughter, Kanji Naylor Adams and her husband Danny of Midland, Texas; his parents, Kathryn and James W. Naylor, of Waco; his grandchildren, Preston and Reese Adams, of Midland; his brother, Donnie Naylor and his wife Melissa, of Waco; his sisters-in-law, DeeDee Neal and her husband Alan of Pottsboro, Texas, Kandi Bagwell and her husband Don of Midland and Angie Fields of Midland; and numerous nieces, nephews and other family members and many close friends.
There will be a visitation at Ellis Funeral Home in Midland, today, Thursday, Jan. 11, 2018, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. A funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church at 2104 W. Louisiana in Midland on Friday, Jan. 12, 2018, at 10 a.m.
Pallbearers for the service will be Donnie Naylor, Cameron Naylor, Danny Adams, Alan Neal, Jeffrey Votaw, Adam Votaw, Jeremy Sessions, Josh Fields, Jaxon Fields, Don Bagwell, David Dakil, Dylan Dakil, Troy Henry, Josh Haro, Dale Cleveland, Justin Ezell, Wesley Huddleston and J.R. Ezell.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hartley Strong at www.youcaring.com or the Dear John Michael Foundation at PO Box 81062, Midland TX 79708.
Online condolences may be offered at www.ellisfunerals.com.