Gary Lee Goble

Gary Lee Goble passed away on April 18, 2023 after a sudden heart attack. A celebration of Gary’s life will be held Saturday, July 1st at 10am, at Hope Presbyterian Church, 11512 Olson Drive, Austin, Texas 78750. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his name may be given to the Cancer Research Institute, the Alzheimer's Association, or Hope Presbyterian Church.

Gary was born in Memphis, Tennessee, on December 5, 1951, to Alex Goble Jr. and Mary Bryan Goble of Bassett, Arkansas. He is survived by the love of his life, Carolyn Smith Goble; his two brothers Lex and Joe Goble (Toni Goble); his children Ginette Hazard (Shawn Hazard), Ethan Goble (Leia Lawrence), and Dylan Goble; his bonus children Sarah Branham (Justin Branham) and Jordan Wyatt (Sarah Wyatt); six wonderful grandchildren, Shannon Hazard, Ava Hazard, Lacy Goble, Piper Goble, Carter Wyatt and Walker Wyatt; and by numerous cousins and in-laws. His love for Carolyn, whom he married late in life, was the greatest joy he knew, and he was always thankful for the time they were able to spend together.

Gary attended school in Wilson, Arkansas and was valedictorian of his high school class. Gary graduated from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville with a business degree in 1974 and from St. Edward’s University in Austin with a Masters in Business Administration in 1980. He was honored scholastically as a member of honorary organizations Sigma Iota Epsilon, Beta Gamma Sigma, and Delta Mu Delta. Upon graduation from undergraduate studies he was employed by the Arkansas Public Service Commission and then by the Public Utility of Texas during its formative years in the late 1970’s. He was one of the founders of a utility consulting company where he gained nationwide recognition in the field of energy economics, pricing and cost analysis.

In addition to his work and family activities, Gary contributed his time and talents to numerous organizations and activities. At various times in his all-too-short life he was involved in the Boy Scouts of America as an Assistant Senior Scoutmaster; taught senior high Sunday school at Hope Presbyterian Church; was a church deacon at Hope; was part of the audio-visual team at his church; participated in church mission trips building houses and water systems along the Texas-Mexico border; worked as treasurer of his home-owners association; and participated in numerous charity bicycle rides.

Gary’s childhood was lived as a Tom Sawyer sort of life. Raised on a farm in the Mississippi River delta in Northeast Arkansas, he did his share of swimming in the Mississippi River; exploring woods and bayous in the area he lived along the Mississippi River; dove hunting; as well as other activities that only those growing up far out in the remote countryside would truly understand. Gary was sports minded, swimming on his school swim team, playing football and running track for his high school. In addition, he was an avid cyclist with a love for both road bikes and mountain bikes. Gary’s eclectic interests included traveling; road cycling and mountain biking; playing his ukulele; working on crossword puzzles; swimming, snorkeling in Hawaii, hiking; reading fiction; snow skiing; camping; football (particularly the Arkansas Razorbacks); puttering around with plants; watching and learning about hula and Hawaiian culture; exploring coffee farms in Hawaii; and wine tasting in Fredericksburg. He rarely sat still. A curious person, Gary learned to read music and play the ukulele at a somewhat advanced age and was forever asking questions. Gary loved retirement. Traveling between homes in Central Texas and the Big Island of Hawaii Gary and Carolyn experienced a wonderful and full life, filled with the laughter and love of family and friends. Gary’s love for travel was evidenced by trips to Spain, France, Monaco, Italy, Mexico, Costa Rica, Israel, Jordan, Peru, Argentina and Canada.

Gary had a wonderful combination of curiosity and wit and made friends easily. He loved his family and his family loves him back. With a ready smile and engaging sense of humor, he was loved by all who knew him.

He will be missed.