Gary Dwain Traylor

GARY DWAIN TRAYLOR, 72

KILBOURNE, LOUISIANA

Cox Funeral Home

Oak Grove, Louisiana

KILBOURNE, LA - Funeral services for Gary Dwain Traylor, age 72 of Kilbourne, Louisiana will be held at 2 PM on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at Kilbourne Baptist Church in Kilbourne, Louisiana.

Reverends Kenny Herring and Bernard Duchesne will officiate.

Interment will follow in the Kilbourne Cemetery in Kilbourne, Louisiana.

Services are under the direction of Cox Funeral Home of Oak Grove.

A time of visitation will be held from 5 to 8 PM on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at Kilbourne Baptist Church in Kilbourne, Louisiana.

Gary Dwain Traylor (also known as Coach Traylor and Bro. Gary), age 72, passed from this world on February 1, 2026 in Monroe, LA.

Gary was born on November 10, 1953 in Lake Village, AR to Opal and Roy Traylor. Gary attended a few elementary schools, but when he got to Kilbourne High School as a young boy, he knew he was home. Gary graduated from KHS in 1971 and NLU in 1975 with a degree in English and a minor in P.E. He became a teacher at KHS where he taught for 42 years and was given his title of "Coach Traylor" as he coached basketball, softball, and baseball and loved every minute of it. Gary's love of music began as a boy listening to his big brother, Dennis, play guitar and sing. His guitar playing, singing, and songwriting blessed so many people throughout his life. Everywhere he went, he exuded a light and love for Jesus that shined so brightly. He shared the news of Jesus and eternal life with anyone who would listen, and even some who weren't so sure.

Gary married Elois Herring on July 26, 1974 after she decided she would fall in love with him, even after their first date was a ballgame. And that should have been a sign of what was to come. Their marriage brought three daughters into the world who were taught about Jesus, music, and how to be a coach's kid. From those daughters, was blessed with eight grandchildren and 11

great-grandchildren whom he loved and spoiled so rotten.

Gary received a kidney transplant in 2001. He and Elois were able to travel to several places before health issues came calling. Despite those health concerns, he continued to answer the call any time God presented an opportunity to serve. He became the pastor of New Hope Baptist Church in 2003 and remained in that position until the end of his earthly journey.

Gary Traylor was a pillar of the community and was loved by all who knew him. He was a father, brother, cousin, uncle, pawpaw, teacher, coach, pastor, mentor, and friend. Anyone could come to him at any time for words of advice or comfort, prayers, or just a shoulder to cry on. His absence will be felt by so many.

He is survived by three daughters, Kristen Traylor, Kasee Traylor, and Karla Kirby; one brother, Reese Traylor (Teressa); one sister, Lori Rosberg (Mats); eight grandchildren, Drake Ward, Madeline Ward, Celeste Ward, Hunter Ward, Lily Kirby, Zack Forman, Isaac Kirby, and Tucker Kirby; 11 great-grandchildren, one uncle, Danny Green, and two aunts, Dean Hodgkins and Clovis Mabry.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Elois Herring Traylor; his parents Opal and Roy Traylor; and one brother, Dennis Traylor.