Gary P. Etheridge

Gary Phillip Etheridge passed away August 20, 2022, only three days shy of his 75th birthday. He was born August 23, 1947, in Fort Worth Texas, to Ancle and Vera Etheridge. He graduated from Fort Worth Technical High School in 1965, and was a proud member of the United States Marine Corps Reserve from 1966 to 1972.

In 1965, while working in a grocery store on Eighth Avenue, in Fort Worth, he met his lifelong love and wife, Lynn Osborne. They were married on January 24, 1970. Together they had four children: Charles, Robert, Melissa, and Bryan.

Gary’s drive for education led him to achieve a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Economics and a Bachelor’s of Business Administration in Accounting, both in the same year. He later received his Master’s degree of Professional Accounting, and remained a Certified Public Accountant the rest of his life. His entire professional career was served in the aerospace industry, and he retired from Bell Helicopter Textron, in 2007, after thirty years service. His job as a procurement director and negotiator took him all over the world, and allowed him to see and experience many countries and cultures. Whenever he and Lynn could choose their vacation locales though, their favorite places to see together were France and Scotland.

To say that Gary was an “avid” reader would be an understatement. Later in life he developed a particular interest in Victorian literature and read hundreds of works from the era. He also amassed an extensive stamp collection, a hobby that he began in childhood. Gary’s skills as a mechanic, and his ability to fix almost anything, were truly amazing. Lynn and Gary also shared a love of antique furniture and cut glass, and they spent a great deal of time together building an incredibly impressive personal collection.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Ancle and Vera; brother, A.J. Etheridge; and his daughter Melissa Anne. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Lynn; his brother Charles Etheridge and wife Kaye; his sister Vicki and husband Jerry Walker; his son Charles and fiancé Christine; his son Robert and wife Marisol; his son Bryan and wife Jennifer; as well as six grand-children: Alexandra, Nicholas, Samuel, Levi, Christopher and Jayden; none of whom have any idea how often he thought and asked about them.

Visitation will be held at Lucas Funeral Home in Hurst on Sunday, August 28 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, with the Rosary at 7:00pm. A funeral mass will be held at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in North Richland Hills on Monday, August 29, at 11:00am. Following the mass, a graveside service will be held at Greenwood Memorial Cemetery