Family will be greeting friends at Gary's VISITATION on Friday August 11, 2023, from 5:00 pm -7:00 pm at Vondel Smith South Lakes 4000 SW 119th St. OKC, OK 73173

FUNERAL SERVICE to Celebrate Gary's life will be on Saturday August 12, 2023, at 10:00 AM at the South Lakes Chapel of Vondel L. Smith & Sons (4000 SW 119th St OKC, OK 73173)

Gary Davis Puryear, passed from this life on Monday, August 7, 2023 in Oklahoma City. He was born in Canadian, TX on January 11, 1944 to his parents Jeff Davis Puryear & La Juana (Treadwell) Puryear. Gary was raised on the family ranch in Wheeler, TX with his six siblings: Thomas, Jeffery, Larry, Harvey & Helen & Mary. He attended Briscoe H.S., and in 1961, enlisted in the United States Navy. He honorably served his country until his release from service in 1965, and he was forever proud of his service to God & Country. Following his military service, he moved to Oklahoma City, and began his studies at Oklahoma City University. In 1976 he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Accounting. After college, Gary began working in the Oil & Gas industry, before staring a 25 year career with the Department of Defense. His career with the DOD began at Tinker Air Force Base, but provided many opportunities to experience different parts of the country, including a five year stint in Omaha, NE. Upon his return to Oklahoma, he worked at Ft. Sill Army Base, in Lawton, OK, which is where he retired from the workforce. For several years he and his brother Jeffrey owned racehorses; they loved watching the races, and always enjoyed a victory! Gary instilled family values through his actions. He spent many years watching his son Davis play baseball & football, and most of all wrestling. The two spent many years together traveling to wrestling tournaments across the country, as he watched Davis succeed, even into Collegiate Wrestling. In 1999, Gary married Sandy (Parks), and the two enjoyed 15 years of marriage, until Sandy passed on August 27, 2014. The two loved time spent together playing dominoes, or competing together in their bowling league. Gary & Sandy were fortunate to travel all over the world together. He and Sandy always booked an annual birthday trip in January to Las Vegas, NV with his brother Jeffrey and his wife Julie. Gary found peace in the waters of Lake Lawtonka in Lawton, OK, where he would enjoy the quiet mornings and any fishing. He loved the thrill of the catch, and his favorite, was the Walleye. In the last seven years, he experienced life with Verna Billingsly, and enjoyed every minute. Whether it was playing games, watching a movie or a Thunder game, shopping, or decorating his home, the two were inseparable. Gary was a wonderful grandpa to Kyler & Kamry, and had a passion to see them succeed in life. He always wanted to make certain that they had the desire & resources to peruse higher levels of education. He will be greatly missed in the lives of his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched.

Gary was preceded in death by his: Loving Wife: Sandra "Sandy" Puryear; parents, Jeff & LaJuana Puryear; brothers: Thomas Edwin Puryear, Larry Don Puryear; sister Helen Suzanne Puryear. He is survived by his: son, Davis Puryear & wife Megan. brothers: Jeffery Lynn Puryear & Harvey Keith Puryear; sister: Mary Mayfield; grandchildren, Kyler, Kamry, and Collin; closest companion, Verna Billingsly; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Davis and the Puryear family would like to thank Legend at Rivendell - Memory Care for the past two years of care they provided for Gary. Immense gratitude is also owed to Verna Billingsly, and her family for the love and care they provided Gary during his battle with Alzheimer's disease.