Gary L. Josey, CSM, USA (Ret.)

Gary Josey, CSM, USA (Ret.) age 80 of Waco, passed away on Saturday, March 6, 2021 in Waco.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, March 12, 2021 at Scott’s Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Tim Crosby officiating.  Burial with Military Honors, will follow at Walker Cemetery in Ft. Hood.

He is survived by his son, Chance Josey of Waco; daughter, Brandi Stubbs of Round Rock; grandson, Tyler Stubbs and wife, Ana; grandson, Dalton Stubbs and wife, Sierra; great grandchildren, Wesley and Ellie; as well as many nieces and nephews. 

Gary was born on June 09, 1940 in Iredell, Texas to the late Jesse Otto Josey and Burnice Irine Hodge.  Gary grew up in Clifton, on Parks Ranch. He was a star football player for Clifton High School where he was often written about in newspaper articles in The Clifton Record. He was a member of the ROTC and after graduation from high school in 1959, he joined the Texas Army National Guard. He attended Cisco Junior College in Cisco, while there he polished his boxing skills and won a Golden Glove in 1961. He married Shirley Wittie and returned to Clifton and worked as a lineman for Community Public Service Co. They soon started a family with son, Chance born on Jan 23, 1968 and daughter, Brandi born on April 4, 1969.

Gary was a dedicated Soldier. He received his airborne wings on June 26, 1968. He went active duty Army in 1981 and quickly moved up in rank. He performed many missions and was very well respected in the military. He was awarded many medals and decorations during his service. He was Sergeant Major at The Pentagon and after that assignment he returned to Austin, where he finished his Army career. He retired with over 35 years of service. Traveling the globe, he met and friended many, whom all admired his military dedication.  After retirement he and Shirley returned to Waco. There, he raised cattle where he could be overheard many times talking to them and each one of them had a name. He was beyond pleased when both of his grandsons joined the US Army. Tyler following in his footsteps earning his airborne wings in 2010. Gary proudly pinned Tyler at the ceremony.  Gary was quiet and a man of few words, but very well respected. His family was very important to him and he enjoyed having everyone together. He loved camping, fishing, and was an avid deer hunter. He enjoyed making wine from wild grapes he picked and sharing it with friends and family. He was a “jack of all trades” and full of knowledge and he passed that on to both of his children.  He was known to many close to him as Walmart. His grandson Tyler, named him that and it stuck with everyone.  He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years Shirley A. Josey on December 8, 2020.  We will miss you Walmart!  You will be dancing with mom again in heaven.

Memorial contributions in his honor may be made to Paralyzed Veterans of America - pva.org.