If you knew Gary, you knew he loved you. He would help anyone at any time and give them whatever he had whether it was money, his clothes, or anything he had to give. He was famous for ''kick, kick'' at the barrel races and rodeos and would encourage everyone no matter if they walked or ran. Perfect strangers were drawn to him and he enjoyed talking to everyone. Gary's biggest accomplishment in his life was his family. He never failed to show up at an event and would be watching with the biggest and proudest smile. Gary loved to talk about Jesus and how blessed he was.
Gary is survived by his wife Amy Booker, whom he married on January 13, 1995, his daughter Jana Parker (Clarence III), Michael Booker (Ashley), Garianna Grace Pace (Blake), and John Walter Booker. He is also survived by two grandchildren Jarrett Cole Booker and Adalynne Leigh Booker; a brother, Larry Don Booker; nieces and nephews; his ''other child'' Ali Jo Cruce; and longtime friend, Linda Booker, as well as numerous family and friends who loved him deeply.
Visitation will be Saturday, July 8, 2023, from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. in the Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Chapel. Funeral Services will be Sunday, July 9, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at Stephenson-Dearman. Burial with military honors will follow in Oakland Cemetery.
Please sign Gary's guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(32)
Ratha "Ray Ray" Grist
, AR Wednesday, July 12, 2023 Words cannot express the sadness I feel at the loss of such a great man. I am so sorry for your loss Ms. Amy. I cannot imagine what you are going through but I know that he is still right there with you holding on to you and the kids. I am so greatful that I got to meet yall and am proud that I got to be not only a friend but more like family. I am so sorry that I couldnt be there and cant believe that I will never get to amke him anymore extra greasy hashbrowns lol. I love y'all so so much and I will never forget him and the acts of kindness y'all always showed me. The world lost such an amazing soul and I know that heaven is a better place now with him in it.Travis Young
Warren, AR Monday, July 10, 2023 Amy and Family, I am just hearing about and Gary and I am so sorry. He was one of a kind and as I type this, I am remembering some of the things we did in High School, laughing and tears at the same time. I am glad that he made it to the class reunion and it was great to see him. I know that he will be missed...!!!!! Thoughts and Prayers for you and the family.Ronald Lee n Pamela Jasay Hall
PINE BLUFF, AR Sunday, July 9, 2023 Ron n Gary worked together on several jobs when Gary was in the union. We are so sorry to hear of this loss. Gary was a great friend and loved by all that knew him. RIP Gary until we meet again!Becky and Cecil Rauls
Warren, AR Saturday, July 8, 2023 Amy and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. I’ve known Gary a long time. He was a good man. He will be missed.Andy Gibbs
Mountain Harbor, AR Saturday, July 8, 2023 My sincere condolences and prayers are and will be with the Booker family. Gary Mack’s father had a profound and positive impact on my Dad, as a young forester in Arkansas. Gary Mack left a solid and lasting impression on everyone he encountered as well.Andy Gibbs
Mountain Harbor, AR Saturday, July 8, 2023 My sincere condolences and prayers are and will be with the Booker family. Gary Mack’s father had a profound and positive impact on my Dad, as a young forester in Arkansas. Gary Mack left a solid and lasting impression on everyone he encountered as well.Jerry Don Barrett
Atkins, AR Saturday, July 8, 2023 Worked with Gary and rode some with him when he worked at the nuclear plant in Russellville, he was a hoot. It is with deep regrets for me to get the news of his passing, my condolences to all the family and friendsBob &Nancy Kelly
Pine Bluff, AR Friday, July 7, 2023 Gary they just didn’t come no better He was truly one of a kind We will miss you old friend, Rest In Peace Till we meet again 🙏🙏🙏🙏Wilmot and Thelma Green
Warren, AR Friday, July 7, 2023 To all the families , so sorry to hear this news. I have lots of good memories of Gary when he was growing up with my kids out in the Freer addition in Warren. May The Lord take you in his arms and keep you through this time of sorrow.Patricia Abbott
Monticello, AR Friday, July 7, 2023 Michael and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Strength and comfort will be my prayer for you all.Dorothy McWhorter
Ft. Worth, TX Friday, July 7, 2023 Once again this nation has lost one of their finest, a former member of the United States miliary.Once a Marine, always a Marine.
Semper fi.
Dennis Wells
Springdale, AR Friday, July 7, 2023 Gary was a good guy. RIP. You will be missed by many.Don & Linda Gavin
Rison, AR Thursday, July 6, 2023 Amy and family. We are saddened to learn of Gary passing. He will be missed by many friends and the children and grandchildren. You are in our prayers. 🙏🏻🛐Keith and Sandra Wright
Rison, AR Thursday, July 6, 2023 Prayers for the family during your time of loss.Brooks Rowland
Star City, AR Thursday, July 6, 2023 My condolences to the family. Our little corner of the world is missing a huge heart with Gary’s passing, but I can just imagine the friends he’s got waiting on him up there. I’m so glad for each and every special time that Gary crossed paths with me. He never failed to leave me with a smile and always had the best hugs. Much love, -BrooksRandall and Heather Baker
Rison, AR Thursday, July 6, 2023 Mr. Gary was such a good person. He will surely be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family during this time.Kim & David Hoffman
Jonesboro, AR Thursday, July 6, 2023 Amy and Family,Please accept our deepest condolences in the passing of Gary. He had a huge heart and was loved by everyone who knew him. You will be in our prayers during this hard time.
Alvin and Irma James
Monticello, AR Thursday, July 6, 2023 To family: Job well done….our thoughts are with each of you. Love and hugsRachel Piker
Crossett, AR Thursday, July 6, 2023 Amy. I am so very sorry to hear of Gary's passing. I have been praying for yall ever since i heard he was ill.. i was so looking forward to more family time with yall. Continued prayers for comfort 🙏💔The Wagley Family
Jonesboro, AR Thursday, July 6, 2023 Our deepest condolences to the Booker family. Gary was a special man. He would truly give you the shirt off his back if he even halfway thought you needed it worse than him.His love for his family and friends was obvious to everyone.
Rest in peace
Chris, Christie, Heather and Paige.
Mary F. King
Monticello, AR Thursday, July 6, 2023 My deepest condolences upon the loss of Gary. He was such a fine fellow.He will be missed by a huge number of people because he was known and loved by so many.Kristal, Keith, Laynie & Jake Watson
Dewitt, AR Thursday, July 6, 2023 Mr. Gary has always been a special person in our lives. From when I (Kristal) was a little girl horse-showing with Jana and then Garianna, he has been one of the biggest cheerleaders and coach! He has blessed us all in some form. He will truly be missed. Love and prayers sent to your family as laying this amazing man to rest shall not be easy.Chelle Danley
Conway, AR Thursday, July 6, 2023 I am so sorry to hear about your loss. He was a great role model for everyone and made a huge difference during his life time.Patricia Ellis and Family
Warren, AR Thursday, July 6, 2023 Amy and Family you all have my deepest sympathy..to know Gary was to love him. He will be missed. May the Good Lord Wrap His Loving Arms around you at this time and the days ahead. I Love you ALL...Prayers and Hugs.🙏🏼🤗❤️
Kaytlin Outlaw
Rye, AR Thursday, July 6, 2023 To all of the Booker Bunch-you have my heartfelt love and condolences. Mr. Gary was an amazing man. When dad was overseas serving and I decided to start riding, it was Mr. Gary who made sure I went as far as I could. I am praying for all of you.Dawn Roberts
Pine Bluff, AR Thursday, July 6, 2023 Mr. Gary you were always a remarkable man with the biggest smile and heart. You will be missed by so many especially your precious family. Love to all the BookersRandy Suggs
Little Rock, AR Thursday, July 6, 2023 RIP my friend 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻Vonda Kirkpatrick and family
Tillar, AR Thursday, July 6, 2023 What a blessing it was to have known Gary for most of my life. The good Lord broke the mold after making him and I don’t think anyone who met him, even if it was only once, will ever forget him. My deepest sympathies and continued prayers for his family.Robert & Carolyn Byrd
WARREN, AR Thursday, July 6, 2023 Amy & Family: So sorry to hear about Gary. He was a great guy. Always loved to be around him. Haven't seen you all in a long time but often talk about the times when the kids were little riding at the Bradley County Arena. We will be praying for you and the family. God bless you all.Andi Wallace Moore
, Thursday, July 6, 2023 My thoughts and prayers for the family. Gary was a special, thoughtful, kind and loving person. “SEMPER FI”Joey Dumas
Carthage, TX Thursday, July 6, 2023 My heart aches over Gary's passing. He was the finest of men and I am honored to have known him for almost fifty years. He treated me with so much respect when I first met him at the ACA Rodeo Finals that I was clowning at the age of 17 and that he won the Steer Wrestling title at. From that point on, he gained my respect and admiration. I was so glad to reacquaint with him years later in my rodeo travels. My thoughts and prayers for all, as you face his earthly absence, but yet Heavenly arrival. I know he is there without a doubt. I sure loved him and know that he will be missed by many, but never forgotten.The Perdue Family
Conway, AR Thursday, July 6, 2023 Love and prayers.