Arthur Henry Gifford

Arthur "Art" Henry Gifford

February 16, 1942 - January 9, 2024

Arthur passed on January 9, 2024, after a long and painful battle with pneumonia at Baylor Scott and White in Marble Falls. The staff were remarkable at aggressively treating him.

He had a long journey with Alzheimer's. For six years he was cared for at home with brief stays in nursing homes. For the last three years, he was a resident at Oaks Nursing Center in Burnet, Texas. Their tender care was exceptional.

Thanks to David Hoerster, M.D. for the many years as his primary care provider.

Art served in the United States Air Force for 23 years in weather service as a forecaster. He was stationed at Udorn Thailand during the Vietnam War.

He was born on February 16, 1942, to Martin Marion Gifford and Anne Belle Gifford in Atlanta, Georgia. He is survived by his wife Polly Gifford, twin sisters Marion Edwards and Miriam Shipp of Atlanta, Georgia. His younger sister Martina Lyons preceded him to heaven. Art has two daughters, Angela Crutchfield of Pace, Florida, and Tracy Gifford and husband Paul Chlebo of Pensacola, Florida, two grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Art met Paulette (Polly) in Houston, Texas in 1975 while he was stationed at Ellington Air Force Base. While they were dating, he received orders to the Azores. Art told Polly that the Air Force wouldn't move girlfriends. "Will you marry me?" They were married on August 8, 1975, in Houston.

In a few weeks, his orders were changed to McConnel Air Force Base in Wichita, Kansas. The marriage lasted for 48 years. From Kansas to Yokota Air Base in Japan for 3 1/2 years to Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio, where he retired.

Art and Polly moved to Kingsland, Texas to live on a golf course and to be close to a lake to fish. Art loved playing golf and was a good player.

Polly has three children that Art regarded as his own. Sheryl Davis of Michigan, Mark Evans Staley (deceased), and Stephanie Oberholtzer of Michigan.

Polly is very proud to share that Art had 50 years of sobriety. He accomplished this one day at a time. Polly states, "I miss him, and loved him deeply."

Services at Graveside are pending due to adverse weather conditions. Of course, they are, he was a weatherman.