Gary Wayne Ellison, 68, of Abilene went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who was the love of his life, Friday, July 20, 2018 in an Abilene hospital. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 25, 2018 at the Cowboy Heritage Church in Clyde with Dr. Dan Murray officiating. Burial will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene. Visitation will be Tuesday from 6:00 until 7:30 p.m. at the Bailey Howard Funeral Home of Clyde.

Gary was born March 10, 1950 in Ranger to Truman and Dorothy Louise Ellison. He graduated from Wylie High School and attended Texas Tech University. He served in the U.S. Army honorably as a six-time decorated veteran of the Vietnam War. He married Tammi Faught in Abilene on July 16, 2016. Gary was the owner of the Ellison Trucking Company. He was a member of the Cowboy Heritage Church and the Taylor County Sheriff's Posse.  Gary had a lifelong passion for the rodeo. He was a member of the Coors Original Roping Association and the U.S. Roping Association competed in many rodeos throughout the years.

He is survived by his wife Tammi Ellison of Abilene; mother Louise Ellison of Abilene; two sons, Matthew and wife, Melissa Ellison of San Angelo and Jonathon Ellison and wife Kati of Abilene; brother Johnny Ellison of Hawley; three grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Gary was preceded in death by his father, brother, Jimmy Ellison and wife, Joy Ellison.