Gary Wayne Frederick's Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Gary Wayne Frederick, age 86, who entered eternal rest on August 31, 2025. Gary was born on January 15, 1939 in Little Rock, Arkansas, and lived a life defined by faith, service, family, and love.
Gary was preceded in death by his father Proctor Bernard Frederick, mother Roselyn Frederick, sister Linda Frederick, and his beloved wife of many years, Judy McGuffin Frederick. He is survived by his devoted sons Michael Frederick and Robert Frederick and Robert’s wife Jamie Hooten Frederick. Gary’s legacy continues through his cherished grandchildren: Benjamin Frederick, Haddon Frederick, Mikaela Mowell, Jack Frederick, Caleb Frederick, Genevieve Mowell, and Sarah Frederick.
Gary graduated from Little Rock Central High School in 1956 and attended college at Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas where he studied literature and philosophy. While at Hendrix he played on the basketball team and ran mile for the track team. He was a letterman in both sports and graduated from Hendrix in 1960 with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy.
A proud graduate of Southern Methodist University’s Perkins School of Theology, Gary was ordained as a Methodist Minister in 1964. It was during his time at SMU that he met Judy, the love of his life. Gary served faithfully for eight years as a minister in Garland, Texas 1964-67, and later at University Methodist Church in Austin, Texas 1967-1971. In 1971, he transitioned from the ministry into a long and meaningful 35-year career with the State of Texas at the Department of Human Services and Texas Workforce Commission, where he dedicated himself to helping others.
Gary’s life was also shaped by his passion for the outdoors and his strong sense of community. An Eagle Scout and proud member of the Order of the Arrow, he loved camping, backpacking, and spending time in nature. He was deeply involved in his sons’ lives, coaching their basketball and baseball teams and always cheering them on from the sidelines.
Above all, Gary was a man of quiet strength, unwavering faith, and endless generosity. He touched countless lives through his ministry, his work, and his role as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
A memorial service to honor Gary’s life will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 10:00 AM at First United Methodist Church in Longview, Texas. Family and friends are invited to gather and celebrate a life well-lived and a legacy that will endure.
Gary Wayne Frederick will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude's or the First United Methodist Church of Longview in Gary's name.
What’s your fondest memory of Gary?
What’s a lesson you learned from Gary?
Share a story where Gary's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gary you’ll never forget.
How did Gary make you smile?