Gary Ray McWhorter

Gary McWhorter, of Roswell, New Mexico, passed away in Roswell on June 23, 2026, at the age of 64. Born in Lubbock, Texas, Gary spent his life building meaningful relationships, working hard, and caring deeply for his family and friends. Gary was preceded in death by his first wife, April Chumley McWhorter, and by his parents, Patricia and Roy McWhorter, who were outstanding parents and a tremendous influence throughout his life. Their strength, work ethic, love, and dedication to family helped shape Gary into the man so many knew and loved. He spoke often of his parents and carried the lessons they taught him throughout his life, sharing those same values with his own family. He is survived by his son, Clayton; his daughter, Paige; his granddaughters, Zoe and Violet; his three sisters and brother; and his nieces and nephews. Gary is also survived by Vicky Lovato, whose companionship and caring presence brought him great happiness. They shared a truly special bond, filled with laughter, comfort, and many cherished memories. Gary is also survived by his former wife, Jennifer McWhorter, with whom he shared an important chapter of his life. Together they built a beautiful family and many lasting memories that remained a meaningful part of his story. He was a devoted family man and an exceptional father. He dedicated his life to loving, protecting, and providing for his children, always putting their needs before his own. He was the kind of father who showed up without hesitation, offered guidance through life’s hardest moments, and gave his children a sense of security they could always count on. He was also known for his quick wit and sense of humor, always able to make those around him laugh and lighten even the toughest days. Through his strength, wisdom, patience, and example, he taught his children some of life’s most important lessons—how to work hard, take pride in doing things the right way, treat others with kindness and respect, and face life’s challenges with courage and integrity. His values and the lessons he passed on will continue to guide his family for generations to come. He was deeply loved and admired, and his family will forever be grateful for the countless sacrifices he made and the unconditional love he gave so freely. Gary loved hunting, fishing, golfing, baseball, football, camping with his family in Colorado, spending time outdoors, and the companionship of his dogs. He also enjoyed shooting and had a lifelong appreciation for firearms. Those who knew Gary knew how much he loved his old Bronco and later his Chevy, both of which became a memorable part of his life. He was a talented man who could fix almost anything. He enjoyed the simple things in life, especially quiet mornings sitting on his porch. He took great pride in his home and the life he built, dedicating years of hard work, care, and attention to creating a place filled with memories for those he loved. Gary was also a wonderful cook who enjoyed feeding the people he loved. Some of the best memories shared by family and friends were made around meals he prepared. Gary was a hardworking and dedicated leader who spent his life providing for his family and leading by example. Throughout the years, he built lasting friendships and meaningful connections with so many of the people he worked with. He was respected not only for his strong work ethic but for the kind of man he was. He had a way of making people feel welcome and turning coworkers into friends and family. If you asked those who knew Gary to describe him, you would hear many of the same words: strong, hardworking, respectful, talented, smart, tough, resilient, understanding, loving, dependable, and loyal. He was a man of great character who treated people with respect, cared deeply for his family and friends, and left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. Gary was a very intelligent and wise man whose advice was valued by family, friends, and coworkers. He had a way of solving problems and finding solutions. He was also known for his sense of humor and his ability to make people smile. His wisdom, strength, humor, and ability to persevere through every challenge life placed before him left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. One of Gary’s greatest accomplishments and proudest roles in life was being a father. He loved his children deeply and spent their lives providing for them, protecting them, supporting them, and teaching them by example. He was the kind of father who always showed up, offered guidance when life became difficult, and provided a sense of safety and stability that could always be counted on. Later in life, becoming a grandfather brought him great joy. He deeply loved Zoe and Violet and looked forward to sharing his love of fishing, camping, and the outdoors with them. In later years, he hoped to fulfill a longtime dream of traveling the country in an RV, exploring new places, enjoying nature, and sharing those experiences with the people he loved most. He was the kind of man people could count on—a protector, provider, loyal friend, and loving father and grandfather. He made people feel safe and cared for. No matter what life threw at him, Gary faced it with courage, determination, and strength. He was deeply respected, loved, and impossible to forget. The example he set, the lessons he taught, the laughter he brought, and the love he gave will continue to live on through the family and friends who were blessed to know him. From his daughter: “You were the person who came to get me when I was at my absolute lowest points in life. The person who made me feel safe. The person I could call when I didn’t know what to do. The person who kept going no matter what life threw at you. You taught me what strength looks like, what perseverance looks like, and what unconditional love looks like. You were the best man I have ever known in my life. Thank you for always being there, for always loving me, and for showing me what a good man truly is. I will love you forever.” Gary’s legacy lives on through his family, friends, and everyone fortunate enough to know him. His strength, wisdom, humor, love, and the countless memories he created will continue to be carried forward by those whose lives he helped shape.

Gary Ray McWhorter

January 16, 1962 - June 23, 2026