A righteous man acts with integrity; his children who come after him will be happy.

Gary Wayne Worley

June 3, 1953 – May 8, 2026

Born on June 3, 1953 in Haskell, Texas to Allen Wayne Worley and Vera Sue Couch Worley, Gary Wayne Worley was the oldest of the siblings followed by two sisters. Growing up in Brownwood, he enjoyed many of the activities you would expect in a small town, baseball and FFA being his favorites. He had close friends and stories to tell of those days that shaped his life.

Following graduation from Brownwood High School in 1971, he attended Tarleton in Stephenville. He met Donna Annette Layton in the fall of 1973 and they quickly realized they were meant to be together forever and married on March 9,1974. He and Donna returned to

Brownwood to make their home. Gary began working at 3M Company, the start of his 37 years there and soon after, their first daughter, Jennifer, was born. Janet followed a few years later to complete their family -that is until the sons-in-law and grandchildren came along. Being a PawPaw was one of his star roles.

Throughout his life, Gary was all about competition and fun, enjoying hobbies of all sorts – hunting, fishing, golf, racquet ball and church league softball and volleyball, to name a few. He found joy in the service to organizations and activities that were meaningful to his community. He served the Brown County Fair Association as a board member and president and was a charter member and chairman of the CenTex Manufacturing Credit Union. One of Gary’s lifelong passions was rodeo. Serving on the rodeo board in various positions including president, he could be found pulling chute gates, building concession stands, loading livestock, and shooting the breeze. It was a passion that brought him immense joy and pride. His commitment to community was perhaps most evident in his service as county commissioner where he was elected for three terms. Gary was always willing to listen and learn and act with integrity, even when there were differing viewpoints. In fact, that’s how he lived his life – standing for what he believed and willing to serve others and work hard.

Gary and Donna also owned The Rage, where Donna ran the show and Gary did what he was told (mostly). It was a successful business because of the beautiful team the two of them made. The same can be said of the life they built together. Married for 50 years, they were an example to their family for what happily ever after can look like.

No doubt that type of love and life is driven from a place of faith and Gary was a follower of Christ. The Worley family attended First Baptist Church until recently when Gary and Donna joined Salt Creek Baptist Church.

Gary was preceded in death by the love of his life, Donna Worley, his parents, Wayne and Sue Worley, and father-in-law, Lonnie Layton. He is survived by daughters, Jennifer Salyards and husband Daryl, of Stephenville, Janet Ogden and husband Alan of Blanket; grandchildren, Karsen Salyards and Griffin Salyards of Stephenville and Graham Ogden of Blanket; his sisters, Carla Lehrmann and husband Rick and Sara Killian and husband Ken; mother-in-law, Annette Layton; brothers-in-law, Rocky Layton and Leon Layton and wife Terry; sister-in-law, Melinda Foster and husband Mickey; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

A visitation will be held at Heartland Funeral Home in Early on Thursday, May 14, 2026 from 6:00-8:00 PM and celebration of life will take place at Salt Creek Baptist Church in Early, Texas on Friday, May 15, 2026 at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Brown County Fair Association.

Online condolences, memories and tributes can be made to the Worley family at www.heartlandfuneralhome.net