Tributes

A Tribute to Gary L. Blevins - Dad, Grandpa & G-Pa©

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Gary was a man whose life embodied love, hard work, and dedication. Born in 1929 in Mooreland, Oklahoma, Gary grew into a devoted father, grandfather, coach, and mentor to countless individuals. His journey was marked by passion, perseverance, and a lasting impact on all who knew him.

 

One of Dad’s guiding principles was:

 

“When you walk onto the court, you’re not always going to be the tallest, the strongest, the fastest, or the smartest player, but the one thing you can control is how hard you work. So don’t ever let anyone out-work you.”

 

                              He lived by this motto every day, demonstrating it

                              in every aspect of his life. From his early years as a

                              skilled athlete to his later roles as a dedicated teacher

                              and coach, Gary’s discipline, care, and determination

                              shaped countless lives. His impact extended far

                              beyond the high school courts and fields.

 

As a young man, Gary was an accomplished athlete. He played football, basketball, and baseball, and at 5’11” (though he might have stretched that a bit), he played center on his high school basketball team. Having played against him in the driveway, we learned firsthand that defense was his specialty—he’d tug on shorts, step on feet, and do whatever it took to stop his opponent. With grit and determination, he set the high school’s single-game scoring record, a record that  was broken by his brother-in-law six years later.

 

After graduating from Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Gary pursued a career in teaching and coaching, excelling as a basketball and baseball coach in Gage, Olustee, and Elk City, Oklahoma.  His discipline, care, and determination shaped the lives of his players and students.

 

Gary’s legacy extended beyond the high school courts and fields. He became the director of Basketball Congress International (BCI) and played a key role in founding the Texas Shooting Stars AAU Basketball program, which grew into the largest AAU program in the U.S. The annual Gary Blevins Memorial Basketball Tournament continues to honor his contributions to the sport and young athletes’ lives.

 

But Gary was more than just a coach; he was a family man with a heart full of love. He and his beloved wife, Barbara, shared nearly 69 years of marriage. Together, they raised four children, 11 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren, each of whom carried his legacy forward. His family was his pride and joy, and his love for them shone through in everything he did.

 

Known for his quick wit, Gary had a knack for bringing joy to everyone around him. Whether he was telling stories, pulling pranks, or enjoying a Diet Coke or Oreo/Banana Blizzard, his presence was always one of warmth and laughter.

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One of our childhood memories of Dad’s ingenuity stands out. Our house in Columbia, MO, had three large windows at the back, and my brother Rick and I played baseball or whiffle ball in the yard nearly every day. On one particular afternoon, when we were about 10 and 6, Rick hit a ball that crashed through the middle window. We were certain we were in huge trouble.  Reluctantly, we walked inside to face our fate. As we entered, the family room was dark, and we thought, "Maybe Dad’s not home." But when we peeked around the corner, there he was laying on the couch with his arms outstretched, his mouth open, and the ball sat squarely on his chest. Rick turned to me and whispered, "I think I killed him." Just then, Dad sat up, laughing hysterically. That was Dad—always turning a mishap into an unexpected moment of laughter.

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                            Gary had many talents. He loved flying planes, diving

                            off the pool’s high tower, hunting, fishing, playing golf,

                            and tennis. He embraced life with enthusiasm and

                            curiosity, always ready for the next adventure.

 

Gary’s faith was also a cornerstone of his life. A long-time member of the First United Methodist Church in Duncanville, Texas, he found strength and community through his spirituality. His support for the Duncanville Pantherettes and the broader community reflected his deep commitment to others.

 

Gary’s life reminds us of the power of hard work, kindness,

and love. As we carry forward his lessons of resilience and

compassion, we are inspired to live with the same passion

and purpose. Though he is deeply missed, his legacy of

mentorship, laughter, and unwavering love lives on 

 

 

 

© 2025 Gary and Barbara Blevins Scholarship Fund. All Rights Reserved.

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