Gary Holliman, of Terrell, Texas, passed away on Nov. 24, 2022. He was born June 16, 1945, in Wellington, Texas to Alton D. and Elery Loys (Williamson) Holliman, both of whom preceded him in death.
Gary grew up in Wellington and attended Wellington High School, where he was a standout athlete while playing football. He was offered a full scholarship to continue playing football at the University of Houston, where his talent continued to be evident on the field. Gary graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington and then went on to law school at Baylor University. After completing law school, he opened his own private practice in Waco, Texas for several years. Gary then moved to Abilene, Texas, where he worked at several firms, bringing his keen insight and skilled knowledge, and became a valued asset with each group of attorneys he worked alongside. In 1992, he moved to Dallas, where he worked at Lawyers Title Insurance Company for many years until his retirement in 2009. In 1998, he and his wife, Carol, co-founded PrideRock Wildlife Refuge and he truly found happiness in helping the ones that needed the most help. Gary took great pride in the daily operations as well as raising awareness about the endangered and precious animals that came into PrideRock’s care.
Gary’s smile and friendly personality made him an instantly likeable person, and he had the natural ability to, upon meeting people for the first time, make them feel instantly at ease, and then, a friend for always. After retirement and between helping at PrideRock, Gary also worked at Home Depot where, again, his knowledge and helpfulness made him a sought-after resource in the store, both by the customers and the coworkers, many of whom became lifetime friends.
He enjoyed watching football, especially college teams and the Dallas Cowboys, the team that he never missed watching. He also had a daily routine of having breakfast with his many friends at the Ables Springs Café, where he was sure to share a new story of daily life with PrideRock, his family, whom he loved unreservedly, and his work family, each of whom he had become very close to.
A wonderful man who placed the highest value on helping others and showing love and appreciation, Gary will be greatly missed and never forgotten as his family, and extended family, carry on his GARY HOLLIMAN
legacy of unconditional love and service to all, no matter the circumstances.
He is survived by his cherished wife, Carol Holliman; children Paige Hale and Paula Perez; treasured grandchildren Ern Hale and Josh Hale; a niece, Niki Holliman; and a nephew, Mike Holliman, along with his “just like” family members at PrideRock, Home Depot and Ables Springs Café, as well as the countless others lives Gary impacted with his ability to always be a help and encourager to them.
A celebration of Gary’s life is being planned for a later date where the many memories, accomplishments and, most importantly, friendships will be celebrated and remembered.
In lieu of flowers, Gary would’ve wanted others to help the organization that was so close to his heart by donating to PrideRock Wildlife Refuge at priderock. org.
