Larry Gist

Larry Dale Gist, 76, of Lubbock, Texas peacefully went home to be with his Lord and Savior on September 19, 2024. Larry was born December 18, 1947 to his loving parents, Lois Von (L.V.) and Daisy Gist as well as two older brothers, Billy and Jerry. He grew up in Abernathy, Texas where he enjoyed a happy childhood with his family. He graduated from Abernathy High School in 1966 and attended college at Texas Tech University pursuing a degree in radio and television. He had a few jobs while in college, KCBD TV, working in sales for a radio station as well as a loader for UPS.

He met Sandra Gail Bright in 1966 on a blind date, set up by a friend and they were married in Lubbock, Texas on March 2, 1968. Larry enlisted in the Air Force on June 30, 1969 and they relocated to New Jersey for four years before returning back to Lubbock in 1973. He joined the Lubbock Police Department in 1974 where he served for four years and in April of 1975 he was honorably discharged from the military. In November of 1975, they welcomed their first baby girl, Amanda Nicole and a short three years later in January of 1978, Shanna Leigh was born. Larry went on to work for Goodyear Tire as a sales representative and then a sales position at STP. They shared eighteen wonderful years together before Sandra was diagnosed with Leukemia on February 14, 1985. She sadly passed away eight months later and shortly after he was laid off from STP.

5 months later in March of 1986 his brother and sister-in-law convinced him to come to a church singles night and that’s where he met Norma who at the time had an almost 2 year old, Kristen Nicole. They joined their families together on August 2, 1986, although Larry was not Kristen’s biological father he loved her as his own and in her eyes he was her dad just the same.

At the beginning of their marriage, Larry worked for Universal Match while finishing his degree in Criminal Justice at Wayland University in 1988. When he walked across the stage at his college graduation that was the first time he stepped foot on campus. After graduation he started working for the Lubbock County Probation Office and was there until retiring in 2011. The last 10 years of his career Norma was by his side every day at work.

During their 38 years they enjoyed annual trips with their children to Red River Family Encampment, Soul Lift at Six Flags and many trips with extended family. As their children grew older the family vacations included places like Hawaii, Europe, and Las Vegas. Their love for travel continued into the later years of Larry’s life. Given the choice, Larry would choose to vacation at the beach or to go on a cruise.

Larry took such pride in serving his country, and was proud to be a veteran of the United States Airforce. He loved his family fiercely and had the heart of a servant. Above all, he loved his Lord. They enjoyed raising their children the first 15 years of their marriage at Sunset Church of Christ and then for the next 20 years at Monterey Church of Christ. In 2021 they found Calvary Chapel Lubbock and have been blessed to call this their church home ever since. Larry was a man of a few words but when he did speak, everyone listened. Larry had an immeasurable amount of patience raising three daughters and was a true example how a man should love his wife just as Christ loves the Church.

Larry is survived by his wife Norma Gist, his three daughters, Amanda and Shanna Gist and Kristen Wade. He was “Pops” to his 8 grandchildren: Kirstein, Tyler, Blake, Kyleigh, Rylan, Abigail, Allison and Ansley that he loved dearly. He was also survived by sisters-law, Connie Grat and Beth Smith, as well as many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his first wife, Sandra, Larry was preceded in death by his parents, L.V. and Daisy Gist, his paternal grandfather, Samuel Gist, his maternal grandparents, Frank and Nellie Healy, 2 brothers: Billy Gist, Jerry Gist and his wife Marilyn, a nephew, Greg Gist, and his aunt and uncle, Jim and Mattie Johnson.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Calvary Chapel Lubbock, 4218 Boston Ave, Lubbock, TX, 79403, or Grace Campus, www.paulsprojectlubbock.org.

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