GARY DEMPSEY OLIVER passed peacefully Dec. 9,
2023, in Tyler, TX.
He was born Dec. 18, 1950, in Dallas, TX to Dempsey
A. & Hortense Hazel (Williams) Oliver. Following
school Gary proudly joined the U.S. Navy and upon
returning from Vietnam began his interests in storm
chasing.
Gary was a member of the Cedar Creek Amateur Radio
Club. He was much more than just a member. He was
friend and mentor to all. Hams are known for their
unusual ability to help other hams. Gary was the
ultimate in that respect. He helped everyone. I
don’t know how he did all that he did. I accused
him several times of running 24/7 with no sleep.
Gary was heavily involved in community service
through his affiliation of the ARES (Amateur Radio
Emergency Service) and state RACES (Radio Amateur
Civil Emergency Service). Gary served as the
Henderson County ARES Assistant Emergency Coordi-
nator and the District 6 RACES County Liaison
Officer for Henderson County.
Gary was the main mobile storm spotter for ARES.
He would go out for hours and provide up to the
minute weather situational reports that were either
overheard or forwarded to the National Weather
Service in Fort Worth. His efforts were instrumental
for local news stations ability to warn residents
in Van Zandt County of impending tornadoes in 2017
and 2019. During the past 24 months, Gary was
responsible for testing and providing training to
RACES personnel in the use of WinLink from both
fixed and mobile stations. He was constantly
striving to provide better solutions for emergency
communications and was committed to train everyone
he was associated with in the new methods. He was
the “ham” we all strived to be. He was the best.
Gary was preceded in death by his beloved parents,
Dempsey A. and Hortense (Williams) Oliver.
He is survived by his loving family: wife, Renee
Oliver; sons: Samuel Oliver, Benjamin Oliver and
Allison, John Oliver and Vanessa, Daniel Oliver
and Alma; daughters: Jennifer Oliver, Lauren
Oliver, Robin Christensen and Matthew, Elizabeth
Richins and Curtis; stepsons: Brad Doring and
Aimee, Nathan Doring and Sharon, Jeff Doring;
27 grandchildren, 5 step-grandchildren; 5 great-
grandchildren; brothers: Michael Oliver & Susan,
Rocky Oliver and Denise; sisters: Angela Pease
and Nathan, Melissa Carver and Danny.
Memorial services at Dallas-Fort Worth National
Cemetery will be announced at a later date.