Gary Wimmer's Obituary
Gary Thomas Wimmer, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed peacefully on July 23, 2024, at the age of 74.
Gary was born on October 25, 1949, in Slaton, Texas, the second oldest of the six children of Valeria Heinrich Wimmer and Anton Albert (Bus) Wimmer. He grew up on the family’s cotton farm in Slaton and graduated from Cooper High School in 1967. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Industrial Management from Texas Tech University in 1971.
Although he always remained a Red Raiders fan, Gary made his life in the DFW area, home to his Rangers and Cowboys. For decades, he worked primarily in multi-family construction management, including for Lincoln Property Company, Mclan Builders, and Erickson Construction. He took great pride in his work, and the things he built there–residences and friendships alike–were built to last.
He married his dear Judith Carol Harris on February 18, 1978, and was a devoted and committed husband and dad to their three children, Karen, Mark, and Julie. He spent many years behind the wheel, chauffering kids to activities; behind the camcorder, making home movies the family cherishes; and behind the scenes–a steady, constant source of unconditional love. In 2015, Gary and Judith relocated to Longview to be near family, and he enjoyed his remaining working years with R. Lacy.
As a young man, Gary loved the outdoors—scuba-diving, lakes, hunting, and fishing. He was also a skilled furniture builder and craftsman, the embodiment of “if there’s something worth doing, it’s worth doing right.” In his later years, he enjoyed throwing a frisbee or ball for his granddogs, playing Skipbo, going for walks, solving Sudoku puzzles, and being silly with his four beloved grandchildren, who fondly knew him as their Poppy.
Gary was a man of few words, aside from his many signature phrases. But he was always quick with a smile, a friendly greeting, a kind gesture. He was loved—and will be deeply missed—for his easygoing soul and unmatched patience.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, sister Corlis, brother Jay, siblings-in-law Sandy, Gayla, and Dennis, and nephew Lee. Those left to cherish his memories include his wife of 46 years, Judith Wimmer, of Longview; his children and their spouses—Karen and Brent Haas of Longview, Mark Wimmer and Diana of Austin, and Julie Wimmer and Clint of Austin; and his grandchildren—Lilah and Will Haas and Mabel and Mila Wimmer. He is also survived by his siblings—Sharon Oliver (Russ), Dale Wimmer (Belinda), Chris Wimmer (Waynette); his sister-in-law Shari Bowen (Bob); and many nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.
A celebration of life will be held at Rader Funeral Home on August 24, 2024, at 2 p.m.
The family suggests that any memorial tributes be made to the East Texas Alzheimer’s Alliance (https://etxalz.org/), which supported him and his family in his last years, or Longview Paws (https://www.longviewpaws.org/), which supports the animal shelter where his daughter volunteers and from which his granddog Bruno was adopted. The family expresses their appreciation to all those who supported Gary in his last years.
Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
How lucky we are
To have loved and been loved by you.
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?