OBITUARY: John Gilbert Garland Jr., 76, dies Nov. 24, 2013

John Gilbert Garland Jr. was born Jan. 27, 1937, in McKinney, Texas. He died Nov. 24, 2013, in the Hill Country of Texas at the age of 76.

He is survived by Kathy, his wife of 46 years; son, Father Trey Garland of Round Rock; brother, Kenneth Garland, and wife Connie of Denton; and nieces Meredith Garland of San Antonio and Kasey Garland Wright and husband Cole of Hickory Creek.

He was preceded in death by his father, John G. Garland, and his mother, Mary Edna Sportsman Garland.

He started his higher education at the University of North Texas, where he became a proud member of Sigma Nu fraternity. He transferred and received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Houston. He received his Juris Doctor from the South Texas College of Law. Though educated as a lawyer, he was a gentleman and rarely practiced.

He worked for and eventually took over American Steel Buildings. He grew and expanded the company until selling it and retiring to oversee his household in 2006.

He was known for being difficult, stubborn, ornery and cantankerous but also immensely loving, generous and occasionally funny. He was a brilliant man who loved deeply and was deeply loved and will be missed.

A requiem Mass will be celebrated at 2 p.m. Dec. 7 at Trinity Episcopal Church in Marble Falls. The Rev. Trey Garland will preside. Interment will take place at a later date in McKinney.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made for building projects to either Grace Episcopal Church in Georgetown or Trinity Episcopal Church in Marble Falls or to any Tea Party candidate of your choice.

Arrangements by Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home, 1805 U.S. 281 North of Marble Falls, (830) 693-4373. Condolences may be offered at www.clementswilcoxfuneralhome.com.