Gary Lee Francis

Gary Lee Francis, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on December 1, 2023, in Lubbock, Texas. He was born on March 8, 1952. Gary was a loving and kind-hearted man who touched the lives of everyone he encountered.

Gary attended Lubbock Cooper High School and after graduating, he pursued a career as a mechanic. For many years, he utilized his exceptional skills to fix anything that came his way. His ability to solve problems and find solutions made him highly sought after in his field.

Following his time as a mechanic, Gary ventured into truck driving and the oilfield industry for ten years. His hard work and dedication earned him great respect among his colleagues. He approached every task with determination and always strived for excellence.

However, Gary's true passion was helping others. He had an unwavering willingness to lend a hand to anyone in need and would never turn anyone away. Whether it was fixing a broken-down car or providing words of encouragement, Gary had a heart full of compassion and was thought of as a 'big teddy bear'. His acts of kindness brought comfort to those around him and exemplified the selflessness that defined his character.

Those who had the privilege of knowing Gary will always remember his infectious laughter and sense of humor. He loved to make others laugh and brighten their lives with jokes and amusing stories. His presence could lighten up any room, and his humor brought joy to countless lives.

In addition to being an exceptional husband, father, and grandfather, Gary nurtured a love for gardening. He had a green thumb like no other. He also loved his animals and tending to his chickens.

Gary leaves behind a multitude of cherished memories to be treasured by his surviving family and friends. He is survived by his loving spouse, Kathy, his children: Bill, Martin, Steve, and Valeri, and his stepchildren: Gator and Cindy Miller, Rhonda and Jerry Folk, and Lisa and Brian Rose. Additionally, he was a beloved father-in-law to Jerry.

His grandchildren meant the world to him, and he held a special place in his heart for each of them: Zuriel, Raamiah, Jaden, Love, Kinsey, Kadence, Jaelyn, Zachary, Aric, Jessica, Brianna, Drager, Geran, Caeden, Zeven, Brooklynne, Canyon, Riley, Evan, Rian, Kayla, Lacey, JD, and Waylon. They brought immeasurable joy and happiness into his life.

Gary was also a caring brother to Richard, Bobby, Barbara, and Beth.

He was preceded in death by his brother Charles, his granddaughter Kaylee, and his parents Dorothy and Martin.

Furthermore, Gary was blessed with great-grandchildren: Ezra, Casey, and Paislee.

Even though their time together was brief, the love they shared will endure for generations to come.

Gary Lee Francis will be remembered as a kind-hearted man with an unwavering spirit of generosity and compassion. His willingness to help others without hesitation is an enduring legacy that serves as an inspiration to all who knew him. As we say goodbye to our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend today in this obituary may we always carry his memory within our hearts. Rest in peace dear Gary; you will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

A visitation has been scheduled from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at Combest Family Funeral Homes Chapel on Sunday December 10, 2023. A Celebration of Life for Gary Francis has been scheduled for Monday December 11, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Combest Family Funeral Homes Chapel.