Dr. Dexter Allen Gary was born in Kaplan, Louisiana on July 14, 1941 to Wanda Louise Mouton, who preceded her son in death, and Roland Allen Gary. He passed away in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on August 5, 2015 at the age of 74, just 5 weeks after the passing of his beloved wife, Sandra Girouard Gary. The couple knew each other before first grade and had been married for 52 years. Dr. Dexter Gary was a brilliant scholar, decorated soldier, outstanding athlete, excellent physician philanthropist, and in retirement, a horseman. His many accomplishments are renowned and far too numerous to list. In death, as in life, he would not want to be remembered for the many awards or titles that were bestowed upon him for his service. Rather he would want to be remembered as “Big D”, a man who understood that the best and most beautiful things cannot be bought or possessed, but must be shared and felt with the heart. Big D was a loving son, grandson, brother, uncle, husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was a gregarious gentleman who always showed up with something special “just because”, and never left before giving the true gift of the love in his heart. He had a zest for life in doing the simplest tasks to the most complicated. He gave his best effort whether fixing a door knob or replacing a patient’s hip. He will be remembered for his willingness to help and serve others in any capacity without complaint. There was a simple joy in his essence that he shared with everyone he met, and it seemed as though the more joy he brought to others, the more it returned to him. His constant smile, contagious laugh and sense of humor will be missed dearly. We will forever cherish the wisdom and sentiments he expressed in numerous letters and cards, as well as the memories of countless beautiful and personal moments we shared. Known for his ease in conversation with strangers, as well as his friends and family, Big D won the trust and hearts of everyone around him. So great was his servant’s spirit, that all who witnessed it were blessed by it and were forever changed. The world lost one of Christ’s true soldiers in Big D’s passing, but his work touched many and his spirit lives on. Big D lived with incredible passion and Big D left this life with even more. After the recent passing of his dear “Sugar”, he felt immense grief but demonstrated an even greater expression of hope and faith. While those of us left behind are sad, we feel blessed to have witnessed such deep and everlasting love. We miss you too, Big D, more than words, but we find tremendous consolation and happiness in knowing that you and Sugar are united again. Dr. Dexter Gary’s surviving family members include his cherished children and their spouses: Angela and Mickey Guidry; Dexter Anthony and Roslyn Gary; and Roland Allen II and Jenny Gary. His 11 adoring grandchildren: Therese, Gabrielle, and Rhett Guidry; Dexter Andrew, Jordan, Christian, and Tysen Gary; Rowan and Arden Whitehurst; Kayleigh and Roland Allen Gary III – for each of whom Big D was their biggest fan. His dear father, Roland Allen Gary; and cherished younger brother, Paul Brent Gary, wife Liz and their family; the Thompson and Matthews’ families; his treasured mother-in-law, Frances Broussard Girouard, who loved him as her son, and her family. Also, many more beloved in-laws, nieces, nephews, god-children, cousins and dear friends that shared special bonds, holidays, life’s celebrations and many LSU football games with Sugar and Big D. They were, simply put, “the heart and soul” of us all. Please join us for their Memorial Service on Saturday August 29, 2015 at 10:30 am at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 2251 Main Street, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802. We are deeply thankful for the outpouring of prayers and support as we mourn the unspeakable loss of both Sandra and Dexter, but more importantly, we ask you to help us spread their legacy of service, love and joy.
Published in TheAdvocate.com from Aug. 22 to Aug. 29, 2015
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