James Earl Gist's Obituary
James Earl Gist, born may 20, 1931, in Satillo, Texas, his home for the last 18 years. James was the youngest of three children born to John Grady and Lillian Gist. James attended marshall High School, where he was an all-state tight end on the Maverick football team and president of his senior class. James received nemerous letters of intent for football scholarships to many major universities in Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Louisiana. According to a major Texas newspaper, James was the greatest tight end to ever come out of East Texas. He attended the Universtiy of Texas in Austin where he played football and was president of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. Upon graduation, James entered the United States Army where he was a First Lieutenant. after his honoralbe discharge in 1956, he joined Armco Steel in Houston. James married his beloved wife of 46 years, Marion, in February of 1959. Together, they had three children and three grandchildren. After 30 years with Armco as a district sales manager, James joined Marathon Letourneau of Longview. Since living in Longview, he had been an active member of First United Methodist Church. He had been retired for the past eight years. James enjoyed camping, photography, estate sales and cooking, but his greatest passion was spending time with his family and friends. As a friend, James was larger thatn life. His wit, sense of humor, and devotion will be sorley missed. As a proud father, James' love was unconditional. His integrity, values, ethics, sense of humor, vast knowledge, acceptance, and guidance molded his children's lives and will continue to be a source of their strength. As an adoring husband, he was a blessing. He was a friend and partner for eternity. he cherished his wife and the life they had built together. James is survived by his wife, Marion; his daughter, TraceyHutson, her husband, Mike, their daughter, Taylor: his son, Gary Gist; his wife, Julie, their daughters, Lillian and Leyton; his son, Greg Gist; his brother, Lloyd and wife, Helen; sister, Mozelle adn husband, Joe Davies; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. In Lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Society of Saint Stephens at First United Methodist Church of Longview. Services will be held at first United Methodist Church of Longview at 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 20, 2005. Visitation is to be held at the family home following the service.
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