Camille Ann Garey

Camille Ann Garey, 71, passed away peacefully at home on the Garey Ranch on November 9, 2012 following a courageous battle with ovarian cancer. Always true to her character, she fought the illness with determination and poise. A longtime Georgetown, Texas resident, Cammy was born in Austin as Camille Ann Blackmore on August 9, 1941 to Roland Newton Blackmore and Velma Lundquist Blackmore.

Cammy graduated from Georgetown High School, and attended the University of Texas, Austin and the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston where she earned a degree in physical therapy. Mid-career and with two children in tow, she went on to post-graduate study in advanced orthopedic physical therapy at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Hayward, California. Cammy excelled in her physical therapy career, and from 1980 to 1986 she was the owner and senior therapist of her own thriving practice in Austin, Southwest Austin Physical Therapy Clinic.

In the early 1980s, Cammy met Jack Garey, whom she married on New Year’s Day in 1983. The two enjoyed a beautiful and loving marriage. They created a unique home in which they and their children joined together to create a family led by both a matriarch and patriarch. Cammy and Jack were best friends, partners and equals in addition to being devoted husband and wife.

As the years progressed, Cammy became interested in Brangus cattle and soon developed a top-quality breeding program for the Garey Ranch. While always a lady, Cammy also possessed unparalleled initiative and drive. Her commitment to excellence eventually led her to become the first—and only—woman president of the Texas Brangus Breeders Association. Her grace and intelligence allowed her to win the admiration of those around her.

Cammy was a leader in her community beginning in high school and throughout her adult life. She was Head Cheerleader at Georgetown High School and earned the Girl Scout Gold Award, Girl Scout’s highest honor. Cammy was crowned “Miss Williamson County of 1958” and time again proved to be a smart young woman, with plenty of beauty to spare! Over the past twenty years, Cammy continued her involvement in Georgetown and served as Executive Chairperson of several boards, including the Chisholm Trail Community Foundation, Georgetown Women’s Club and the Georgetown Healthcare System Auxiliary. She also served on the Board of Trustees for Southwestern University and Board of Directors for the Georgetown Community Clinic Foundation. She was a member of First United Methodist Church of Georgetown and the Citizens Advisory Committee to the Williamson County Regional Habitat Conservation Plan.

Cammy was recognized with many awards throughout her life, including Woman of Distinction by the Girl Scouts of Central Texas. She and Jack received the Jesse “Buz” Sawyer Award for Philanthropy from the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce for their significant contributions, increasing Georgetown’s quality of life and enriching the lives of others through scholarships to Southwestern University.

Cammy always treasured the outdoors and the wonderful community of Georgetown, where she grew up. She and Jack wished to preserve and share the scenic hill country of their Georgetown ranch with others. In 2004, Cammy and Jack announced they would donate their magnificent 525-acre ranch to the City of Georgetown to eventually be developed into a public city park. This generous gift was the largest in history to the city.

While Cammy’s public involvement was significant, her greatest contribution was most definitely to her family. She was a remarkable wife, mother and “Grammy” to her four precious grandchildren. Her two daughters always looked to her for love and guidance and her grandchildren knew her to love them unconditionally. She faithfully attended their concerts, sporting events, and every extra-curricular activity they were a part of. She also shared her passion for travel by treating each grandchild to wonderful trips, unique one on one experiences. Her gift of time showed them that they were each number one in her heart! Cammy was an exemplary role model to all her family and friends and her positive influence will be cherished forever.

Cammy is survived by her husband Jack, daughter Jill Porter Conant and husband Jon, daughter Laura Porter Hall and husband Thomas, stepson Glen Garey, grandsons Christopher, Ryan and Will Conant, and granddaughter Catriana Hall.

She is also survived by sisters Shirley Blackmore Smith and Peggy Blackmore Tombs and brother James Blackmore. She is preceded in death by her mother Velma Lundquist Blackmore and father Roland Newton Blackmore.

The family wishes to thank Cammy’s dear friends who provided meals, love and laughter toward the end of her life. We also thank Hospice Austin and the wonderful team of caregivers who provided gentle comfort and care. Thank you also to the Chisholm Trail Community Foundation, which established the Cammy Garey Fund in honor of all her contributions and gifts of service.

Cammy’s life and spirit will be celebrated in a memorial service held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 18, 2012 at First United Methodist Church of Georgetown, 410 East University Avenue, Georgetown, Texas 78626. A reception will follow the service at the Garey Ranch.

Memorial donations may be made to the Cammy Garey Fund of the Chisholm Trail Community Foundation to which Cammy was instrumental in developing and passionate about for many years. CTCF is located at 116 West 8th Street, Georgetown, TX 78626, (512) 863 4186, [email protected].

Arrangements by Cook-Walden Davis Funeral Home, 2900 Williams Drive, Georgetown, Texas 78628 (512)863-2564.