Gary Christopher Gauntt

Gary Christopher Gauntt, 70, of Hunt County, Texas, passed away on July 27, 2026, in Rockwall, Texas. He was born on November 4, 1955, in Fort Worth, Texas, to Elbert Manley Gauntt and Alta (Reagan) Gauntt.

Gary earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Anthropology from The University of Texas at Dallas. He went on to dedicate 49 years of faithful service to UPS, where he worked as a feeder driver.

Gary may have been quiet when you first met him, but once you got to know him, his quick wit and playful sense of humor quickly came through. He loved making people laugh and was always ready with a joke. Those who knew him best would all tell you the same thing—Gary was simply a good man.

He found joy in wandering through pawn shops, antique stores, and anywhere he might stumble across an interesting treasure. More often than not, he wasn’t looking to buy anything—he just enjoyed the hunt and discovering something with a story to tell.

His children fondly remember evenings spent at the barn caring for their horses, Sundays at Grandma and Papa's house, summer trips to the mountains, and even a boating outing or two that, in hindsight, seemed a little questionable. These are memories they will cherish forever. One of the greatest joys of Gary's life was becoming a grandfather, and nothing meant more to him than his family.

Gary had a deep appreciation for the outdoors, history, firearms, and collecting historical artifacts. He was a lifelong learner whose knowledge seemed endless. Whether the topic was historical events, military weapons, artifacts, knives, or cultures from around the world, he always had something fascinating to share. Whenever he found a new addition to his collection, he couldn’t wait to send pictures to his family or stop by to show it off, explaining its history, origin, value, or simply the bargain he had found. Sharing his passions and knowledge with those he loved brought him genuine happiness.

He also enjoyed working with his beloved golden retriever, Buck, at the kennel, training and practicing retrieving. Above all else, Gary treasured the time he spent with his family.

Gary is survived by his loving mother, Alta Gauntt; his sister, Diann Swartz and her husband, Randy; his daughter, Laura Perkins and her husband, Mitch; his son, Aaron Gauntt and his wife, Amanda; his cherished grandchildren, Kenleigh Perkins, Khloe Perkins, Jackson Gauntt, and Jameson Gauntt; his beloved golden retriever, Buck; as well as his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Elbert Gauntt, and his grandparents, Aubrey and Daffie Lee Gauntt, and Marvin and Minnie Reagan.

Family and friends are invited to honor Gary’s life during a visitation on Friday, August 7, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Quinlan Funeral Home, 8930 TX-34, Quinlan, Texas 75474.

A funeral service celebrating Gary’s life will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Quinlan Funeral Home. Following the service, he will be laid to rest at Memoryland Memorial Park, 808 W. Jack Finney Boulevard, Greenville, Texas 75402.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to an Adventure Fund for Buck and the grandchildren at https://everloved.com/life-of/gary-gauntt/

After his diagnosis, as treatment plans were being made, one of the things Gary looked forward to most was taking one final family trip. More than anything, he wanted to bring everyone together and share with his grandchildren what he loved most—the beauty of the outdoors and the joy of simply being together.

He was excited to plan this adventure and create lasting memories with the people he loved. He often said, "If nothing good comes of this, at least the kids can be together. I couldn't ask for anything else."

Your generosity will help honor Gary's final wish by giving his family the opportunity to create those memories together while celebrating the life, love, and adventurous spirit he shared with them all.