Gary Peeples

This is the story of Gary Peeples.

He was the third of five children, and the second in a set of twins, born to William Dawson Peeples, II, and Ethel Mae Alexander in Emory, Texas in 1941. He grew up in Mesquite, Texas where he attended old Mesquite High and in 1963, he met and married the love of his life, Jacquelyn Clay, at the age of 22.

Gary was a family man who was a happily devoted husband to Jackie, and a kind, supportive dad to their children, Kathy and Danny. He was honest, hard-working, and immeasurably kind, always willing to share what he had with whomever might need it at the time. In fact, the Peeples' house was known for its open-door policy and was home to a multitude of friends and extended family over the years.

At heart, Gary was a poet, penning countless sonnets over the years about life, love and faith. He collected coins and stamps, loved woodworking, and had a knack for turning just about anything into a work of art.

He couldn't dance and he couldn't sing, but he'd sure give it a try, belting out tunes from Jim Reeves and Johnny Cash with all the confidence of a Grammy award-winning artist. And if that garnered a few groans and eyerolls from his family, all the better. He'd smile and sing even louder.

While he was a master at poetry, he felt less confident with everyday conversation and often complained when he "tried to say apples, it usually came out oranges." He was also a firm believer in the power of words, adhering to the adage "if you can't say something nice..." So, he never did.

Gary Peeples passed away on December 22, 2023, at the age of 82. He was preceded in death by his soulmate, Jackie; parents, William and Ethel Mae Peeples; and sister, Gail McCurry.

He is survived by his son, Danny Peeples and wife Robin; daughter, Kathy Luther and husband Rick; grandchildren, Taylor Peeples, Brandon Luther and wife Hannah, Amanda Luther, Justin Seymour and wife Chelsea, and new baby boy Luke Seymour; twin brother, Jerry Peeples and wife Eva; brother, Billy Peeples and wife Linda; sister, Judy Peeples Reed and husband Wayne; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, friends, and neighbors... all who have loved being a part of his story.

There will be a graveside service at 2:00 PM on Friday, January 12, 2024 at New Hope Memorial Gardens in Sunnyvale, TX.

Visitation will be held from 6-8:00 PM on Thursday, January 11th at New Hope Funeral Home in Sunnyvale, TX.

Gary will be laid to rest next to his wife, Jackie, at New Hope Memorial Gardens in Sunnyvale, TX.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that a donation be made to the Cure Alzheimer's Fund.