Gary Dwayne Verett, Ph.D Obituary (1940 - 2025)

Gary Dwayne Verett was born June 15, 1940 in Ralls, TX to Argie Estelle Hillin and Paul James Verett. He died in Dallas, TX, Tuesday, Jan 21, 2025, at the age of 84 from kidney failure. Gary is survived by a brother James Allen “Jay” Verett and wife Jane in Seaside, CA, and their children Matt Verett, wife Montie and son Brady; Marianna Jones and husband Kevin; Julie Verett and son Anthony DaSilva. A sister, Pauletta Smith of West Lafayette, IN. And by Randi and their two dogs Lillie, his caretaker, and Bonnie, the comedian. Gary graduated from Abilene Christian HS as Valedictorian where he later coached and taught, and Abilene Christian College with both Bachelors and Masters degrees. He earned a PhD in Counseling and Psychology from North Texas. He taught for three years in Long Island NY. He began teaching at El Centro and was a Division Dean. When Richland opened, he became a professor there in both US History and Psychology until he retired, and then became an Adjunct Professor until 2015. He was President of the Faculty Association, and he was a charismatic and excellent teacher. Gary loved racquet sports. He was Tri-State Badminton Champion in college, then played racquet ball. When he found golf, he played several times a week, primarily with his golf buddies Luke and John. He was an avid reader of nonfiction, and loved to watch documentaries as well as all things sports. He enjoyed his groups of friends, especially his Men’s Group and his Richland Coffee Group. He looked forward to the annual summer Verett Family Reunions in Lubbock. He made excellent peanut brittle. We will all miss it. A small private graveside gathering was held at Forest Lawn Cemetery. If you would like to remember Gary, get together with your friends, tell stories of the old days, and laugh a lot. He will be with you in spirit. We would like to thank the doctors who cared for Gary through the years: Dr. Martin Cohen and Pat Craig, Dr. Gary Lemack, and Dr. Paula Dobbs- Wiggins. You made his life significantly better with your competent and compassionate care. Thank you to Walnut Place staff for their care of Gary for the last ten months.