Gary Collard
Obituary

Gary Michael Collard, age 64, passed away peacefully at his home in Garland, Texas on September 12, 2026.

Gary was born on November 10, 1961, in Dallas, Texas, to his loving parents, Bill and Janice (Crow) Collard. Incredibly intelligent with an exceptional mind for numbers and statistics, Gary was a lifelong learner. He was always reading and exploring new topics, and he loved sharing his extensive knowledge and strong opinions with his many followers on X. Gary graduated with honors and as a National Merit Scholar from MacArthur High School in Irving before attending Texas A & M University and later earning his degree from the University of Texas at Arlington.

Gary worked in the IT industry and later in education.  His last role was as a beloved substitute teacher within Garland ISD, and he had recently completed requirements to become a certified teacher. Outside of his intellectual pursuits, Gary was deeply passionate about sports, especially cheering on his favorite teams, the LA Lakers, the Baltimore Orioles, the Buffalo Sabres, and the Texas A & M Aggies. In his younger years, Gary was an avid and accomplished bowler. As his parents got older, he stepped up to help care for them through some very serious health problems. Above all, Gary was a devoted son and proud father, grandfather, brother, and uncle who deeply cherished his family.

He is survived by his sons, Jeff Collard and John Collard (and wife Julie); his sister, Lori McGill (and husband Kevin); and his treasured grandchildren, Hannah, Ariel, Jackson, and Kynsley Collard and Ryin Jacksics. He also leaves behind nephews, Kevin McGill (and wife Becca Walters) and Keaton McGill; his niece, Kiernan McGill; and his great-nephews and great-nieces, Nolan and Renner McGill and Birch and Lila Walters McGill. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Jan, and his beloved grandparents.

A memorial service to celebrate Gary's life will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, October 3rd at the First United Methodist Church Sachse, located at 1520 Blackburn Road, Sachse, TX 75048. His kindness, brilliant mind, and presence will be deeply missed. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Gary’s memory to the ASPCA would be a very appropriate tribute.