Gary Flynn Kay

A native Louisianian, Gary Flynn Kay, of Forney, Texas, was born to Flynn and Dorothy Kay on September 30, 1950, in Leesville, Louisiana, where he grew up and graduated from Leesville High School in 1969.

Immediately following his high school graduation, Gary became a proud member of the United States Marines and served three years active duty to include a tour in Vietnam – calling his military service his proudest career accomplishment.

After the Marines, Gary began his 40-plus year career in the apparel industry with companies such as Camsco, Jerell, Haggar, Angelica, Carhartt, and G&M Consulting, holding various upper management positions with each company. Gary exemplified excellence in the way he worked and took pride in striving to make a difference in each company he served. He was always known for going the extra mile for his customers and would spend hours mentoring his co-workers and new clients. Gary was a sought-after consultant to many across the industry. He loved what he did and was never interested in retiring.

Gary’s trademark qualities . . . his infectious smile, his positive outlook, his generous spirit, and his kindness left an impression wherever he went. A heart of pure gold. He never met a stranger that didn’t quickly become a friend and was always ready to greet everyone with a smile and a friendly handshake.

Gary was grounded in his faith and was passionate about sharing his salvation experience with others and could spend hours talking about the Bible. If you were interested in listening, he was more than happy to squeeze out every single second of time you were willing to give. He was driven by his purpose and faith in God and would always challenge those around him to be the best version of themselves.

An avid sports enthusiast! If Gary was not sharing his love of God with you, you could probably find him watching some kind of sport. A day of baseball, an afternoon of basketball, or an evening of football. When the Cowboys were winning, he would always quote Jerry Jones, “How ‘Bout Them Cowboys!”

Gary was known for finding humor in most situations, even when it was not really funny. He was sure to put a positive spin on any situation, and an expert at projecting strength especially in the toughest of circumstances, which most recently became evident during his battle with liver cancer over the past four years.

Well respected for his loyalty! He brought Proverbs 18:23 to life . . . a real friend sticks closer than a brother! He was kind and compassionate – forgiving those as God also forgave . . . Ephesians 4:32.

Gary’s memory will live on forever through the many stories he shared with those who had the opportunity to know him. He was a fantastic storyteller – always reminiscing about childhood, family, and friends. He had a phenomenal memory, a sharp wit, and an eye for detail. He was the first to make a joke! He was the first to make you feel comfortable! He was the first to defend the underdog and was a fierce ally when it came to correcting injustice! You were guaranteed a belly laugh or two or three if you spent time with him while he took you on a journey down memory lane! It was a guarantee that you would leave his company better than you came!

There is no replacing a man of such dignity and stature! He will be forever missed by all the lives he impacted by just being the man he was. His love for God, family, church, and friends will never be forgotten! Gary’s wish was to be known as a child of God, and if he were here, he would ask you: Have you heard? Have you believed and obeyed the Gospel of the Acts 2:38 salvation experience? He was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and gloriously filled with the gift of the Holy Spirit evidenced by speaking in other tongues in accordance with the Acts Chapter 2 experience.

Gary was preceded in death by his father, Flynn Kay; mother, Dorothy Montiville Kay; his grandparents, Olen Kay, Sr., Louis Davis, Mary Flynn Davis, Lee Montiville and Rosella Montiville; his father-in-law, L.B. Anthony, Sr.; and his mother-in-law, Mary Louise Anthony.

Gary is survived by his wife of 28 years, Rhonda Lynn Kay, his children, one daughter, Donna Michelle Kay Hernandez, husband Jorge, and three sons, Michael Anthony Kay, wife Jessica, Jeremy Matthiessen, and Shaun Matthiessen, wife Christy, and 17 grandchildren. Gary is also survived by one brother, Daniel Austin Kay, two sisters, Connie Kay and Mona Kay Hardwick, husband, Rick, as well nieces and nephews, and countless friends.

Friends and family are invited to gather for visitation on Thursday, September 12, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Eubank Cedar Creek Funeral Home located at 601 State Hwy. 198 at Walnut, Mabank, Texas. The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., with the burial to follow at Goshen Cemetery in Eustace, Texas.

Rev. D. G. Hargrove and Rev. Johnny Hargrove will be officiating the services. Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Michael Anthony Kay, Jorge Hernandez, Shaun Matthiessen, Rick Hardwick, Jason Anthony, and Fred Stamper.

We love you husband, dad, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, friend, and if Granny Mary were here, she would say Geddy Penn! We’ll see you on the other side!

The family would like to acknowledge the doctors and nurses for their outstanding and compassionate care of Gary throughout his cancer battle.

From Luke – his constant companion – always by his side through thick and thin – I already miss you terribly, Daddy!

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

~2 Timothy 4:7~

Semper Fi