Gary Neil Minshew passed away December 23, 2024, at Medical City of McKinney. He was born in Fort Worth, Texas, on December 12, 1932, to Preston Glen Minshew and Ida Wilson Minshew. Gary graduated from Polytechnic High School in Fort Worth when he was 17 years old. On his 18th birthday, he enlisted in the United States Navy during the Korean War and served his country for four years. Immediately after his discharge, he enrolled in North Texas State University (now UNT). While at North Texas he met and married Bobbye Jack Chandler.
After receiving his Bachelor of Science in Education, Gary began his career at Chance Vought Aircraft. In January 1959, Gary started his teaching career as an Industrial Arts teacher at McKinney High School, also teaching math, shop, and mechanical drawing. He eventually became assistant principal at Caldwell Junior High and later served as principal. After Caldwell became an elementary school, Gary transitioned into the role of Director of Special Education for the McKinney Independent School District (MISD). Gary was appointed Assistant Superintendent of MISD, a position he held until his retirement in 1987.
Gary and Bobbye Jack had two sons: Robert Neil and Jeffrey Lee. They participated in family activities at McKinney Pinto Riding Club until the mid-seventies. Gary also assisted Jeff in his Boy Scout endeavors.
Gary received his Master of Science in Education in 1963 from North Texas. Later he attended Texas Woman’s University (TWU) and received certification in Special Education.
After he retired, Gary helped Bobbye Jack run Weston Farm and Ranch Store in Weston, Texas, until he had knee replacement surgery. He then farmed and raised cattle for a few more years.
He and Bobbye Jack traveled extensively after retirement, going to England, Austria, Switzerland, France, Germany, Ireland, Scotland, Scandinavia, Hawaii, Italy, and Alaska, as well as nearly every state in the US.
Gary was an active member of professional organizations and a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church in McKinney, and the Fellowship Class. He served as president of the class twice and was noted for the beautiful prayers he could give. He also served in many capacities in the church as long as he was able.
He and Bobbye Jack were honored by having Gary and Bobbye Jack Minshew Elementary School named for them.
Gary is survived by his wife, Bobbye Jack Minshew; son, Robert Minshew and wife, Irma; granddaughter, Autumn Leach and husband, Bruce; grandsons, Koty Johnson and wife, Audrey, and Casey Smith; great granddaughters Alexa and Chloe Johnson; sister-in-law, Terrye Hernandez; and a host of extended family members and friends, who will miss him dearly and forever cherish his memory.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Glen and Ida Minshew, son Jeffrey Lee Minshew, and brother, Richard L. Minshew.
A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at Ridgeview Memorial Park, Allen, Texas, 75013, followed by a memorial service at 12:00 p.m., at First United Methodist Church, 315 North Church Street, McKinney, Texas 75069. Following the service, a reception will be held at the church.
The family will receive guests during a visitation from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. on Monday, December 30, 2024, at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013.