Funeral services for Gary Chamberlain, 68, will be held at 10 AM Friday, March 7, at Heartland Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 6-8 PM Thursday at the funeral home.
Gary was taken from this world on Monday, March 3, 2014, after a short illness. A devoted Christian, family man and teacher Gary enjoyed being outdoors. Gardening, hunting, and watching football were among his favorite hobbies, but he would take any opportunity to be on a river bank fishing. He also enjoyed singing and teaching especially in a church service, where he was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ. He never knew how much joy his heart could hold until the first of seven grandchildren was born. Gary never missed an occasion to attend an event for one of the grandchildren and being “Pops” was his most treasured title.
Gary was born in Brownwood Jan. 15, 1946, to O.C. and Annie Chamberlain. He graduated from Brownwood High School 1964 and then was married to Brenda Gowin on Aug. 5, 1967. In 1968 he graduated from Howard Payne University and then received his Master’s Degree from Tarleton State University in 1974. Gary taught sixth grade and coached at Coggin Elementary for seven years before becoming principal in 1979. He was a principal at Coggin, South, Woodland Heights, Central Sixth and East Elementary before retiring in 1999. He then worked for Morrison Supply Company and Weakley-Watson where he enjoyed visiting with all the customers.
Gary is survived by his wife Brenda; one son, Kirk Chamberlain and wife Melanie of Montgomery; two daughters, Amy Carney and husband Shawn of Sugarland, and Amber Moore and husband Brian of Sapulpa, Okla.; seven grandchildren, Breanna, Georgia and Mac Chamberlain, Lily and Douglas Carney, and Hayden and Weston Moore; two sisters, Glenda and Joy Chamberlain; sister-in-law, Helen Chamberlain all of Brownwood; several nieces and nephews, Erica Chaney Lewis of Brookesmith; and life-long friend, Gene Bilbrey of Arlington.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Wayne Chamberlain of Brownwood.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Brownwood Senior Citizens Center or Meals on Wheels.