Gary Joe Gallup

Gary Joe Gallup left his earthly home on October 15, 2022. He was born to Stan and Sue Gallup on April 8, 1943 in Long Beach, California. He was raised and grew up in Roswell, New Mexico. He graduated from Roswell High School in 1961 where he played football, basketball and baseball. He began his radio and broadcasting career in high school where he was a DJ at the local radio station, and also was the color commentator for his father for many sporting events. He later went on to graduate from the University of Texas at Dallas in 1986.

He married the love of his life Sharon on January 20th, 1962. They moved to Las Vegas, New Mexico where Gary attended New Mexico Highland and started a family.

For the next 15 years he found his niche in sports casting and broadcasting. Gary was the sports director at KROD Radio/TV in El Paso, Texas where he was also the voice of the UTEP Miners. He then furthered his career in broadcast and television in Green Bay, Wisconsin where he also did play by play for the Green Bay Packers. He ended his television career in Madison, Wisconsin at WMTV as the sports anchor along with being the voice of the Wisconsin Badgers.

In 1977 Gary moved his family back to El Paso, Texas where he took his first job in college athletics at UTEP. His college athletic career would last for the next forty years. College athletics took him to many places including UTEP, the University of Wyoming, SMU, University of New Orleans and Nicholls State. He served as Athletic Director at Southern Utah University, Lamar University, Texas Pan American University, Kentucky Wesleyan and finally Avila University in Kansas City, Missouri where he retired in September of 2013. He continued to commentate for Rockhurst basketball following his retirement. His favorite thing about college athletics was the relationships he developed with the student athletes. He loved each and every one of them like they were his own.

Through his career, he had the privilege of calling such events as the 1985 Bluebonnet Bowl, the 1984 Aloha Bowl and the 1984 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament on CBS Radio, and so many more. He received broadcaster of the year in 1982.

His greatest accomplishment was his family. He was so proud of each and every one of them. His favorite time of year was during March Madness when his family gathered at his house for the annual Gallup March Madness weekend. He loved playing corn hole, golfing and singing karaoke with his children and grandchildren. He was a huge dog lover, and all of his pets were treated as family. His entire world was the love of his life, Sharon. He loved her more than life itself. He was the most positive, honest, kind hearted soul who fought every day with courage and grace to extend his life here on earth with us. He was a man of faith and a great example to all.

Gary is preceded in death by his grandson, Casey Marshall; his father, Stan Gallup; and his mother, Sue Gallup. He leaves behind his wife of 61 years, Sharon; his children Gary Michael, Greg, Gina and Jana. He also leaves behind 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren who are broken hearted and will miss him deeply.

A memorial service for Gary will be held on Saturday, October 22, 2022 at 2:00 with a reception to follow. Forest Park East Funeral Home, 21620 Gulf Fwy, Webster, TX 77598. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared below for the Gallup family.