Gary Don Hall

Gary Don Hall of Waxahachie, Texas passed away on December 2, 2023 at the age of 76. He was born on January 12, 1947 in Dallas, Texas to Guy and Thelma Hall. Gary was drafted into the United States Army in 1966 at the age of 19. He was a member of the 281st Assault Helicopter Company (the first US Army Special Operations Helicopter Company) and was a door gunner with the Wolfpack 33 platoon. On May 21, 1967, he embarked on a recon mission and was shot down over Ashau Valley in South Vietnam. He survived three days in the jungle, evading enemy, before being rescued. His story has only been told from the eye’s of the pilot that rescued him that day. Gary would eventually be awarded a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for valor for his bravery in Vietnam. Gary spent his life working in the printing industry and retired in 2011. He was also an outdoorsman and retirement meant more time with his first love, fishing. Gary also liked to hunt and found a hunting dog in Alabama but met a guy in McKinney to pick her up. First time taking her hunting, after his first shot and seeing her hightail it back to his truck, he quickly learned he did not have a working dog but would soon find his best friend, in her.

Gary is survived by his best friend and constant four-legged companion, Belle. Gary is also survived by his brother, Larry and Patricia Hall of Waxahachie; a son, Don Hall of Fate; three daughters, Donna and Edron Kindle of Rowlett; Stefanie and Adam Goldberg of Royse City; Stacy and Steve Buis of Rockwall. His grandchildren are Shelbi, Morgan, Travis, Katelyn, Caleb, Kelsea, Cristann, Gavin, Carsyn, Trevor, and Kaylee and great-grandchildren, Hadlea and Ryleigh. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews; Lisa and Chris Klein (Blaine, Jordan, Corbin), Chris and Karin (Brandon, Breanna, Jacob, and Kaylee), Matthew and Tara Snell (Jacob, Catalina, Madeline, Abby), Katelyn and Trevor Maynard (Elliana, Declan), Zachary and Patricia Hall (Zoey, Emmie Rose). He was preceded in death by his mother and father.