Gary Thomas Hardaway

Gary Thomas Hardaway Gary passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family and grandchildren, on Thursday, January 29, 2026. Gary was born on February 16, 1951, in Frost, TX, to Archie and Esther Hardaway. At a young age, he answered the call to serve his country, entering the United States Army in October 1968. While stationed in Germany, he trained as a firefighter and served honorably for over a year before his discharge. Gary spent much of his career as a truck driver and welder. Beyond his work, he had a deep love for music. He found great joy in singing and playing his guitar and was known for spending time with friends, including Willie Nelson and Fritz Von Erich. In his final year, Gary cherished the blessings God had placed in his life. He devoted his time to his family - his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren - finding comfort, laughter, and peace in their presence. Gary is survived by the love of his life, Byrdie Walden; his daughters Dawn Rickard, Mary Spearman, and Tonya Canuteson; and his son Glenn Hardaway. He is also survived by his sister, Barbara Stevens. Gary was richly blessed with 8 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by both parents, Archie and Esther Hardaway; his brothers, Don and Leonard Hardaway; his sisters Elouise Cooper and Kathy Anderson; and his twin infant sons, Gary and Jerry Hardaway. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 10:00am at 3C Cowboy Fellowship, located at 16258 Gooseneck Rd, Salado, TX 76571. Family and friends are invited to gather to reminisce, grieve, and support one another while celebrating Gary's life. Gary will be remembered for his smiles, laughter, and sometimes not such great life advice. His presence will be dearly missed and forever cherished. "And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his servants, 'Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.'And they began to celebrate." Luke 15:21-24Gary Thomas Hardaway Gary passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family and grandchildren, on Thursday, January 29, 2026. Gary was born on February 16, 1951, in Frost, TX, to Archie and Esther Hardaway. At a young age, he answered the call to serve his country, entering the United States Army in October 1968. While stationed in Germany, he trained as a firefighter and served honorably for over a year before his discharge. Gary spent much of his career as a truck driver and welder. Beyond his work, he had a deep love for music. He found great joy in singing and playing his guitar and was known for spending time with friends, including Willie Nelson and Fritz Von Erich. In his final year, Gary cherished the blessings God had placed in his life. He devoted his time to his family - his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren - finding comfort, laughter, and peace in their presence. Gary is survived by the love of his life, Byrdie Walden; his daughters Dawn Rickard, Mary Spearman, and Tonya Canuteson; and his son Glenn Hardaway. He is also survived by his sister, Barbara Stevens. Gary was richly blessed with 8 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by both parents, Archie and Esther Hardaway; his brothers, Don and Leonard Hardaway; his sisters Elouise Cooper and Kathy Anderson; and his twin infant sons, Gary and Jerry Hardaway. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 10:00am at 3C Cowboy Fellowship, located at 16258 Gooseneck Rd, Salado, TX 76571. Family and friends are invited to gather to reminisce, grieve, and support one another while celebrating Gary's life. Gary will be remembered for his smiles, laughter, and sometimes not such great life advice. His presence will be dearly missed and forever cherished. "And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his servants, 'Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.'And they began to celebrate." Luke 15:21-24