Gary Mac Hallock

Gary Mac Hallock Austin - Gary Mac Hallock was born in Dallas, TX, in 1951, the third son of Bruce King Hallock and Dorothy Enid MacPherson Hallock.

No one loved life more than Gary Hallock. He lived it richly and fully. He threw himself wholeheartedly into the roles of son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, friend, care-giver, scavenger, punster, and funster. His enthusiasms ranged widely, and he moved in many circles.

Along with his mother and son Andrew, he helped sustain Austin's Gilbert & Sullivan Society through his singing and acting talent, as well as his creative marketing and expert prop building. With his parents and other family members, he built and managed The Old Homestead apartments in North Austin, which became a solid home to many over the years. With his like-minded friends, he organized and emceed Austin's annual O. Henry Pun-Off World Championship over a span of decades. He delighted in bringing others, including younger untried punsters, into his orbit with encouraging wordplay. (You know who you are!) Through the pun-off's connection to the O. Henry Museum, Gary fell under the spell of William Sidney Porter's famous short stories. This interest eventually found expression through the JC Elkins Literary Discussion Group, which met regularly to read, perform, and discuss the works of O. Henry. Over the years, many other theatrical productions and special events benefited from Gary's acting, singing, and clever craftsmanship. And of course, many knew him as the go-to guy for all things material; if you needed some odd hardware item or special piece of wood, Gary was glad to be your man. And when his aging mother slowly lost the ability to care for herself, he and his wife, Chris, were right there with helping hands and cheerful hearts.

Then when his own grievous illness struck, Gary fought the good fight. His lifeline was Texas Oncology, and we are extremely grateful to the doctor, nurses, and other staff who helped Gary through his final year. He made a valiant effort to hang on, but like one of O. Henry's stories, Gary's life ended with a cruel twist. In April, Hospice Austin stepped in with compassionate and comfort care. This vibrant soul succumbed on April 25, 2023, less than a year after being diagnosed with cancer. We miss him immensely.

Gary is survived by immediate family, including Christime Holt Hallock, his wife of 47 years; his two sons, Andrew (partner Tomas) and Thomas (partner Antonia); two granddaughters, Sonia and Fern. He is also survived by his three brothers, Austin Bruce Hallock, Donald M. Hallock, and Mark S. Hallock; and by numerous beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews, who delighted in calling him "Uncle Gary the Swing Set." A celebration of life is being planned for July of this year.