Gary Gene Shannon's Obituary
Mr. Gary Gene Shannon passed away at his home in Longview, Texas on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at the age of 77.
Gary was born in Mountain View, Arkansas to William Ralph and Lorene Shannon. He grew up on the family farm started by his grandfather and graduated from Mountain View High School in 1964. He attended the University of Arkansas, joining the ROTC and earning a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture.
After graduation, Gary joined the Army as a 2nd Lieutenant and was deployed to Vietnam. He flew Huey UH-1B helicopter gunships and led combat troops in the field. He earned several prestigious awards for his courage and heroism, including the Bronze Star with a V device [for valor], Combat Infantryman Badge, Air Medal, and Army Commendation Medal. Following his service in Vietnam he continued his military career in the Army Reserves and National Guard, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel 2006.
Gary studied Agricultural Engineering at Texas A & M University and went on to work at Lone Star Steel for over 30 years as a welder, machinist, and supervisor. He also had a brief, but meaningful stint as a teacher at Longview High School. After his retirement he enjoyed taking care of the Burton family tree farm.
However, as his friends and family well know, his labor of love was practicing his marksmanship. He always encouraged everyone to join him on hunting trips and target practice. Gary became a highly regarded marksman, winning many competitions and awards, including the East Texas Rifle and Pistol Club NRA classification of Hi-Master, DCM Distinguished Rifleman, and Distinguished Pistol Shot; National Matches at Camp Perry-President’s 100 (twice); Texas Governor’s 20 (fifteen times); and the 2003 Texas State High Power Service Rifle Championship.
Most notably, Gary deeply valued his friendships (some spanning decades), his community (both in his hometown of Mountain View and residence of Longview), and of course, his family. He loved being Grandpa to his three beautiful grandchildren; visiting with friends and recounting stories; and in more recent years, taking care of (and sharing) the blackberries in his backyard garden. Gary was beloved for his loyalty, integrity, humor, and good-natured demeanor. He will be profoundly missed by all who knew him.
Gary is survived by his wife of forty-one years, Carolyn Bechtold Shannon of Longview, whom he met one day when visiting her uncle, a fellow National Guardsman. He is also survived by his daughter, Julie Shannon Shadpa and her husband Karma of Pasadena, CA; daughter, Elaine Shannon Phelan and her husband Randy of Austin, TX; daughter, Kelly Cunyus Smith and her husband Taylor of Flower Mound, TX; grandchildren, Lily Phelan, Lucas Phelan, and Hanna Smith. He is survived by his sister, Janelle and her husband Mel Hodges; brother, Jerry and his wife, Russ Ann Shannon; nephews, Phillip Brewer and his family and Jeff Shannon and his family, all of Mountain View, Arkansas. He is preceded in death by his parents and his infant brother Kenneth Lee Shannon.
A Celebration of Life service is scheduled for Saturday, August 19, 2023, at 2:00pm at the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home, 1617 Judson Rd, Longview, TX 75601. To livestream go to www.raderfh.com at 1:45 pm prior to the service, click on the obituary link and click on video.
The family welcomes any expression of sympathy including memorial contributions to the Harbor Hospice of Tyler who so compassionately cared for Gary.
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