Gary Julian Fielder

Gary Julian Fielder, 79, departed this earth from his hometown of McAllen, Texas on Sunday, September 29, 2024, after a life filled with belly laughs and simple pleasures. Gary’s biggest regret will be missing out on opening all of his 80th birthday presents. Contrary to his lifelong habit of being late to everything, Gary was born prematurely on January 7, 1945, in Columbus, Mississippi. He was the oldest child of Kenneth and Mary Grace Fielder. He spent his first few precious years living in several towns in Tennessee (Dyersburg, McEwen, Nashville, Dickson and Franklin) and would eventually move to McAllen, Tx with his parents and younger brother, Dale, in 1955. He graduated from McAllen High School where he played football and earned the honor of Most Handsome. After high school he attended A&I but transferred to and eventually graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Business in 1967. Soon after college, Gary went to work with his father in the family business, Ken's Shop/Fielders, a popular men's clothing store that served the area from 1957 to 1997. Gary could have been described as an adrenaline junkie in his younger days, enjoying activities such as motorcycle racing, flying airplanes, water skiing, and spear fishing. And of course he made time for bird and deer hunting, fishing and golfing. Entering his golden years, Gary focused on quieter pursuits such as reading books on the history of Native Americans, collecting pickled vegetables, diagnosing his own medical symptoms and complaining about McAllen traffic. He would be the first to admit he had an unhealthy addiction to Amazon Prime. Gary looked forward to his frequent domino games at the McAllen Country Club where he’d play against his brother and old friends. He was unstoppable if he had 5’s in his hand. Gary was known as a bit of a recluse but always appreciated intimate gatherings of family and friends as long as he had his own getaway car. He especially cherished his time at the hunting lease, where he bonded with his son, Paul, his son-in-law Jorge, his grandchildren and fellow hunting buddies. He was a good gift giver but an ever better receiver. Gary could tell a story better than anyone and could knock down your long-winded argument with a single well placed word. The man possessed a profound lack of modesty and thought it was hilarious to send out closeup pics of his flesh wounds to the most squeamish in the family. Prior to his death, he had a growing list of things he hated: giant bath towels, Brussel sprouts, know-it alls, loud/cold/dirty restaurants, getting low on tequila or Lomotil, and itchy shirts. If you were in need of a confidant, Gary’s superpower was understanding unease and sadness. He was a patient listener and in this way he knew exactly what you needed to hear. Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Ken and Mary Grace. He is survived by his younger brother, Dale (Connie), his children Dawn del Alamo (Jorge) and Paul (Michelle) and his ex wife, Connie Fielder-Norton, mother of Dawn and Paul. He is also survived by his grandchildren, JD, Lucy, Kenny and Kacie. A small, private gathering of close friends and family will be held Wednesday, October 9th to celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Gary’s honor to Tunnel to Towers Foundation (www.t2t.org), Vannie Cook Children’s Clinic (www.texaschildrens.org/givetovanniecook) or Church of Christ North (www.cocnpharr.com).

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Gary Julian Fielder

September 29, 2024