Gary Connally

Gary Elbert Connally was born to Charles and Lucille Connally in Hamlin, Texas on June 3, 1949 and our Lord called him home to cruise the streets of gold on March 18, 2026. He always had a larger than life personality and was easily recognized zipping around in his current Porsche of choice – but his favorite was red! We feel like it’s only fitting that Chuck Norris- AKA Walker Texas Ranger-followed shortly behind him so they could hang out and swap tall tales! Gary lived a full and vibrant life, marked by a commanding presence, a sharp wit, and a deep love for family.

He attended school in Hamlin his entire childhood, graduating in 1967. He proceeded to Texas Tech for undergraduate studies and then completed his Juris Doctorate at Baylor University, graduating on April 16, 1973. While attending Baylor, Gary was a member of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity and received the highest honors upon graduation reflecting the discipline and excellence that would define his legal career.

Early in life, Gary married and became the father of three children: Shelley Kathleen, Matthew Chad, and Mark Stephen. During this time, Gary began his law career as a partner in the firm of McMullen and Connally in Hico, Texas. The community of Hico welcomed him, and he was elected Mayor in 1974. At that time, he was the youngest mayor to be elected in Texas. During his time in Hico, Gary built the foundation for a successful career in law and made many life-long friends.

As they say, all roads lead back to Hamlin, and for that, we are all so thankful. Gary returned to Hamlin in the early 80’s to establish the Gary Connally Law Firm. He often said it was the best decision of his life because it led him to marry his soulmate, his very best friend, and the love of his life, Jimmie Lou Bishop. They created a home for their blended family in Hamlin, and Gary would forever be known as Tickle to his daughters, Brandi and Carley.

Gary and Jimmie Lou built a thriving law practice in Hamlin. Then, they merged with Jeff Lewis to establish Lewis and Connally Law Firm in Abilene. With this addition, they restored a historical firehouse located on Butternut Street in Abilene and continued to practice law in Federal and District courts throughout Texas over their 30 plus years working together. Clients could always depend on Gary and Jimmie Lou, and he often remarked that JL was the backbone of their practice.

Gary and Jimmie loved each other through 40 years of marriage. Some of their best times were spent traveling to Ruidoso to enjoy their home in the mountains, cooking special meals, playing golf together, hunting, and fishing. They instilled a love for family in their children, and those children went on to build their own beautiful families that include 11 grandchildren who loved him dearly.

Gary loved and protected all of his children and grandchildren, but he had a special place in his heart for his sons, Matthew Chad and Mark Stephen. Gary made certain that, against all odds, Matthew received the best medical care and opportunities in life while courageously battling Cystic Fibrosis. He looked forward to and loved his daily check-in calls from Mark. His children knew that in his heart they were loved unconditionally.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Lucille Connally, his in-laws, Ben and Lou Turner, his sister Barbara Ann Lowe, his niece Jamie Ann Woods, his brother-in-law Britt Bishop and his cherished son Matthew Chad Connally. He is survived by his loving wife, Jimmie Lou, his daughter, Shelley Chorn (Chris), Mark Connally (Lacy), Brandi Molinar (Nathan), Carley Hernandez (Brian), his brother, Eddie Connally (Libby), and his brother-in-law, Charlie Bishop (Marsha). Grandchildren left to remember him for his sense of humor and antics are Luke, Emily, Courtney, Matthew, Abigail, Blain, Tucker, Lou Lou, Ellie, Maddox and Milo.

Pallbearers will be Charlie Bishop, James Bishop, Brian Hernandez, Holman Jones, Nathan Molinar, and Randy Smith. Honorary Pallbearers will be Rodger Bell, Chuck Connally, Mickie Diersing, Robert Moore, John Poe, Mike “Doc” Smith and Hollis Stephens.

Memorials may be given to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation 4550 Montgomery Avenue Suite 1100- N Bethesda, Maryland 20814 or online at: https://www.cff.org/ or the charity of your choice.

The family extends their sincere gratitude to Dr. Ralphie Rosario, Dr. Raymond Stainback, and “Gary’s Angels”—Reagan, Tina, and Lindsey—for their exceptional care and compassion.

There will be a Celebration of Life at New Beginnings Church of Hamlin, formerly First United Methodist Church, on Monday March 23, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Following the memorial, the family will welcome visitors in the church fellowship hall. There will be no graveside service.

In keeping with Gary’s wishes, guests are encouraged to come as they are. No formal funeral attire necessary. He would have wanted all who gather to be comfortable as they celebrate a life well lived.