Gary Mac Hallock

I still regret not being able to see Gary before his passing, but I do still hold many fond memories of him. Like the greatest pun ever told; like the Raleigh Record bicycle I bought from him, and the Christmas poem he wrote that I have taped to my bathroom mirror. I see it every morning.

I have just been exploring this website as Gary's Memorial is approaching and realized I could add some words here. I am Gary's cousin and like so many of us, the very mention of his name brings a lightness and smile to my face. He was a few years older and we often spent summers and finally moved to Austin. Those summer evenings often included watermelon and I never eat one now without Gary showing me the true way to savor a melon is to use your spoon to create magical tunnels as you eat the delicious fruit ! LOL... yup Gary.... I can't eat a Watermelon without thinking of you and creating delectable tunnels throughout the slice !!! :)

I only learned today (June 17, 2023) that Gary was no longer with us. The last time we e-mailed each other, he told me he was battling cancer. I'm in the same boat. But back to Gary, I bet when St. Peter met him at the heavenly gates, he and Gary exchanged a few puns.

I knew Gary was battling cancer, but didn't know until today that he had lost his battle. I'm in the same boat. At the moment, I'm holding my own, but I could join Gary soon in that big Pun-Off in the sky.

Christine: Please accept my deepest sympathies in the passing of Gary.

Gary was our landlord for several years. I remember he was always so kindly tolerant of my affection for the feral cats on the property, and helped when our own cat went missing. Although he was always working hard around the Homestead, he would stop for a chat (and usually a few puns). What a wonderful person. I'm grateful to have known him and to have been a part of the Homestead community for a time.

Inexpressible. I am cut to the core. Gary was the most creative and sensitive friend I ever had. My world is dimmer without him. What else can I say. My own life is of less tolerable without him. God help us.

Dear Chris, I am sorry, shocked and saddened to see this. I pray you will receive support and comfort as you walk through your grief. Take care,
Phyllis (Speranza) Brown

Gary was/is such a VIBRANT Presence in so many people´s lives. He was very inspiring to all who knew him. I Loved his great sense of humor and mischievous twinkle in his eyes! And his beautiful voice. So true that he loved Life so much. Inspires me to revere life as well. Much Love and Admiration to his wife Chris and sons Andrew and Thomas, and all dear Family and Friends.

Fly Free...my wonderful little brother. So many fond memories together. I will miss you forever...Donald Macy H.

I met Gary when my daughter, April, then husband Michael, and I lived at The Olde Homestead Apts. My daughter quickly befriended Andrew and Thomas, and I Gary and Chris. The Hallocks had a major impact on my daughter's life, and were always very good to us. Gary was one of the most creative and humorous people I've ever known, and I will always remember him with fondness and reverence.

Gary, Chris, Thomas, and Andrew were part of our Babysitting Coop when our kids were little. I was always impressed by Gary´s sense of humor and building skills. The kids always had fun at the Hallock´s. It takes a village to raise a child and they were a part of our village!

Gary and I shared about 1,256,392 inside jokes. I still catch myself reaching for my phone to text him. No body else would ever get them.

Gary was a truly special human being and, I'm proud to say, a close friend. Too many good memories to relay in this small space. Susan and I will treasure his friendship for the rest of our days. Wherever he is in the cosmos, it will be a better place for his presence.

Oh my, I am so sorry to hear about Gary's passing. He was so talented in so many ways. Chris, and all the Hallock family, you have my deepest condolences and prayers for peace. I have no doubt that Gary is up there now keeping Bruce and Enid on the right track. Blessings.

Dear Gary--good friend and supporter of O. Henry's legacy and everything about the O. Henry Museum, You taught me so much about the O. Henry Pun-Off and even the meaning of a good pun (I'm chuckling). You were a consummate punster and great talent. My 23 years working with you were the best. You were a true friend, and you were there for all of the museum's events with Chris and your mother Enid: Christmas, Valentines Day, O. Henry's Birthday, Writing Workshops, Gilbert and Sullivan, O. Henry's "re-trial", and I know there were more. Thank you for all you gave and the expertise and knowledge you contributed to the O. Henry Museum. You are dearly missed.

Gary welcomed me in along with George McClughan as charter members of Punsters United Nearly Yearly (P.U.N.Y.) to save the O. Henry Pun-Off World Championships. If it hadn't been for him, there would be no Pun-Off today. Goodbye, Gary - you'll be sorely missed.

Dear Chris, all of us outside your family are only now learning how much Gary contributed to our lives. He was a sparkplug and had the rare gift of organizing and motivating others in groups in a way that made them glad to pitch in. Gary had joie de vivre and enthusiasm to boot.