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Sad News - Loss of an Original TBN Member

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  • Sad News - Loss of an Original TBN Member

    It's with a tremendously sad heart that I'm informing everyone of the passing of one of TBN's finest today. I can hardly believe that I'm writing this, but at approximately 3:30pm our amazing friend, Gary Himes (02TBIRD) passed from this earth and went to be with the Lord.

    For those that know Gary and BJ personally, you know that they would do anything in the world for anyone in need. They have been involved with planning many TBN events, hard top relays, helped change COPs in parking lots for fellow owners and have opened their home to many TBN travelers over the years.

    Gary had a history of heart problems, but has been healthier than most of us for all the years we have known him due to his personal willpower in following a strict diet and exercise routine. So it was completely unexpected when he suffered a severe coronary event on December 23rd that he was not able to recover from at the young age of 69. Bill Green, Rosetta and I were fortunate enough to be able to be there to try to lend a little support to BJ, his children, granddaughter and siblings. While we are all confident Gary is in a better place (he's probably taken a lap on God's racetrack already), please pray for BJ and the rest of the family and friends as they deal with the sadness of his loss. His passing is such a shock for all that knew him that their are a lot of folks hurting tonight.

    As of now the details of his memorial service have not been finalized, but the family is hoping for it to be this Saturday December 31st. I will post the final plans as soon as we know something definitive. Several TBN members are already making plans to attend if at all possible and we will be driving our Thunderbirds in Gary's honor if weather permits. I will also post hotel arrangements that we make for those that can be with us.

    UPDATE:

    Gary's service will be Saturday morning December 31, 2016 at The Bible Church of Little Rock. Visitation will begin at 9:00am with the service to follow. After the service BJ has asked that all the Thunderbirds lead the funeral procession to the Forrest Hills cemetery for interment. Little Rock Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. If you would like to leave a note of tribute to Gary and/or a message to the family, you can do so at this link: http://www.littlerockfuneralhome.com...#!/TributeWall

    I have made hotel arrangements for anyone that want's to come on Friday night (and stay Saturday night if you want) at:

    Wingate By Wyndham
    1212 S. Shackleford Road
    Little Rock, AR

    Call 501-712-3618 direct for reservations. Tell them you are with the "Friends of Gary" group and you should be able to reserve a king or two double bed room for $74/night plus tax. If there is any difficulty ask to speak to Phyllis, the manager, and she can get you hooked up.

    We will make some type of dinner plans for Friday night. Since Saturday is New Years Eve, dinner might be a little more of play it by ear thing.

    If you plan to join us (we need a count to plan things) or have any questions please respond on this thread or PM me, my email has been spotty at best over the past several days.



    For those that can or can't be with us at the memorial service and would like to honor Gary's memory, BJ has suggested donations in lieu of flowers to either:

    The Bible Church of Little Rock
    19111 Cantrell Rd, Little Rock, AR 72223
    http://www.bclr.org/

    or

    Humane Society of Pulaski County
    14600 Colonel Glenn Rd, Little Rock, AR 72210
    http://warmhearts.org/

    Either are very fitting charities to honor Gary. If you knew Gary you would definitely know that his church and his love of animals were very, very important to him.

    We, as well as many others, could tell you so many stories about why we loved Gary, but I've posted enough tonight. If you have thoughts, stories, or other tributes you would like to make please leave them on this thread and we'll make sure that BJ gets them.

    RIP Gary,

    Paul & Rosetta

    Just one of our fun times together - the evening we met Richard Rawlins from Gas Monkey Garage. Gary's grin is because he had coaxed Richard out of the garage for a photo op when the sign said closed for filming. Not many folks could turn down Gary when he put on the charm.

    Last edited by 2K2BIRD; Dec 28, 2016, 03:49 PM.
    21 years, 174K miles, 48 States X 2 & DC, 9 Canadian provinces, 8 European countries, 3 Caribbean Islands, 3 Hawaiian Islands, 100+ National Park locations, 150+ T-bird events, 190+ retrobird diecasts/models, 13 TOTM pics & some very special friends...THANKS TBN !

  • #2
    Re: Sad News - Loss of an Original TBN Member

    Our thoughts and prayers go out to BJ and their family. Gary was one of the nicest friends Connie and I ever met on our TBN events. Gary was always ready to help in any situation and many times contributed something without our knowledge. Gary was just that way. Bj and the Himes family have lost a wonderful man and we share in their grief. May God bless Gary Himes a true friend.

    Pat
    sigpic

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    • #3
      Re: Sad News - Loss of an Original TBN Member

      Paul,
      We got the call tonight from DavidA and could not believe it. Our hearts are very heavy receiving this unwanted and very sad news. Gary has been a good friend and traveling companion for us over the past 14 years. He will be so missed by Judy and I.


      We'll be thinking about BJ and Gary's family and hope they will know that Gary touched many of us, his friends, and knowing he always had a good word to say about everyone he met. It's always hard to put into words what you are thinking when you lose a friend.


      With Gary's passing I will say this. These cars have brought many of us together over the years. But this has evolved into not just a love for the car but a love for the friendships it has created over the years.


      Gary my Friend, RIP.
      Last edited by Gobird; Dec 27, 2016, 10:02 PM.
      They are Here. Scotty, beam me up!
      IT'S 5 O'CLOCK SOMEWHERE
      Visit the TBN Store

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      • #4
        Re: Sad News - Loss of an Original TBN Member

        Too sad and only 69. I remember him at Mt. Rushmore and was looking forward to seeing them again in Wisconsin. He sure knew which color was the best! RIP

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        • #5
          Re: Sad News - Loss of an Original TBN Member

          This sad news came as a shock to Jeannie and me. We will, of course plan to be at the memorial.

          We also must mention that we lost another early member of the TBN family. Stan Walker passed early this morning. It is hard to fathom losing 2 friends in one day.

          As Paul mentioned, Gary and BJ have traveled with us since the beginning, first meeting in Destin, at our first event, Destination Thunder, way back in 2003. Since then he and a few other of us have covered all 48 lower states, doing nearly 100000 miles together.

          Stan Walker owned a white 2003 and was very active in the early years of TBN. I believe he sold it in 2007 after hosting several events in the Memphis area.

          Both men will be sorely missed. Our heartfelt best wishes go out to the families.
          Unbelivable TBN trips including ALL of the lower 48 States plus 9 Canadian Provinces, 8 European Countries, 3 Caribbean Countries, Countless National Parks and have attended well over 100 TBN Events since 2001 and counting. Best of all ... fabulous friends.

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          • #6
            Re: Sad News - Loss of an Original TBN Member

            So sorry to hear this news. We never had the opportunity to meet but he was obviously close to many here. I'll pray for comfort and peace for all of his family and friends.

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            • #7
              Re: Sad News - Loss of an Original TBN Member

              Judy and I will try our best to attend the services.
              They are Here. Scotty, beam me up!
              IT'S 5 O'CLOCK SOMEWHERE
              Visit the TBN Store

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: Sad News - Loss of an Original TBN Member

                What shocking news this is. I first met Gary back in 2004 and have always considered him a good friend. I will never forget our times traveling the highways at different TBN events, hanging out nights talking and laughing about life, our tbirds and of course TBN and all of the wonderful people we have met that Gary has always called "family".

                RIP Gary, you will be missed.
                _______________________________________
                TBN Badge and Lots of "TLC"

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                • #9
                  Re: Sad News - Loss of an Original TBN Member

                  When we would see Gary at events he used to say Hi " Bun Man". I will truly miss hearing him call me that and giving me a big smile and hug. Toni and I will pray for BJ and his family and hope they know he is loved and will be missed. Lou and Toni

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                  • #10
                    Re: Sad News - Loss of an Original TBN Member

                    When I heard this news yesterday it was overwhelming, especially just after hearing of Stan's passing.
                    I haven't been active in the past several years, but I carry with me such fond and loving memories of the early TBN days and the members who were like extended family.
                    Both Gary and Stan impacted my life in such positive ways. It saddens me to know they are no longer with us but I know they both had strong faith, so are with the Lord. That should be a huge comfort to us all.
                    Condolences to Martha and BJ and their families. Please know that the love for us all these men showed will live on in our hearts and memories.
                    Carolina G.R.I.T.S.
                    G.R.I.T.S. girls...best in the world!

                    Life's a trip!

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                    • #11
                      Re: Sad News - Loss of an Original TBN Member

                      I'm truly sorry to hear this sad news. He was a very good man!

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                      • #12
                        Re: Sad News - Loss of an Original TBN Member

                        I am very sorry to hear this: Thank you for letting all of us Know.
                        sigpicSoaring with My Raven Under Carolina Blue Skies ...

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                        • #13
                          Re: Sad News - Loss of an Original TBN Member

                          Both Mitzi and I are saddened to hear this news. Gary was a true gentleman, he and BJ were the first TBN members that we met in person in Chattanooga and welcomed us with open arms. Every time I met Gary at an event he always had time to stop and chat with me and alway made me feel like we have known each other for many years. Our thoughts and prayers are with BJ and her family. May he rest in peace.

                          Ted and Mitzi.

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                          • #14
                            Re: Sad News - Loss of an Original TBN Member

                            Diana and I are still in shock about the news of Gary's passing. He was a great friend and he always was so kind and helpful to us. Our Prayers go out to BJ and the family.
                            Diana and I plan to attend his memorial service.
                            Ed & Diana
                            Branson, MO
                            Black 02

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                            • #15
                              Re: Sad News - Loss of an Original TBN Member

                              This is very sad news indeed. Gary was one of the first people I met at the first TBN event I attended and it seemed like we had been friends forever. He will be missed!

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