Gary Raymond Johnson

Gary Raymond Johnson reached the end of his earthly trail on July 13, 2025. .

A memorial service honoring Gary will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Born on September 25, 1936 in Crowley, Louisiana, Gary was the beloved son of Moise and Hazel (Gary) Johnson. His family moved to Orange when he was young. As a teen, he worked for Dr. Max Pachar at his veterinary clinic. Gary worked for more than 30 years as a maintenance mechanic at the B.F. Goodrich/Polysar refinery. After retiring, he spent so much time visiting local funeral homes, his family joked that he should work at one. Soon after, he joined the staff at Claybar Funeral Home and remained there for many years. Gary served his community in several capacities. He was a scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 4 and 304. He was elected to the city council in West Orange, lost a bid for mayor of West Orange, and then was elected to the school board for West Orange-Cove ISD. He later served on the water board in Bridge City. Gary loved mowing and all things western–horses, cows, Indian art, and watching old westerns, especially Hopalong Cassidy and Roy Rogers. Gary met his wife Barbara in 1981, they were married in 1982, and they have been inseparable since.

Those left to cherish Gary’s memories are his wife of 43 years, Barbara; children, Troy Johnson (Veronica), Dee Dee Windham (Jimmy), and Claudia Jaume (Joe); grandchildren Lauryn Franks (Colin), Valen Wilcoxon (Griffin), Lyndsey Maxey (Miles), Luke Johnson (Haley), and Jourdyn Berry (Layne); and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by sisters Lois Barr (David) and Hazel Harris as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and by his brothers Morris “Dude” Johnson and R.C. Fletcher.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Grand Central Station P.O. Box 4777, New York, NY 10163 (donations@michaeljfox.org) and/or the charity of your choice.

As Roy and Dale always sang—Happy Trails until we meet again!