Guy Walker "Gary" Segrest

Guy Walker "Gary" Segrest claimed his final victory on December 14th, 2022, after a courageous battle with cancer. Gary did not lose his battle to cancer and pain; Gary won and Heaven won. Gary was born on May 15th, 1948, in Corpus Christi, Texas, to Guy Walker Segrest Jr. and Dorothy Lee Segrest. He was the oldest of four boys (Gaylan Segrest, Gerald Segrest, and Grayson Segrest) from Warton, Texas. Gary graduated from Wharton High School in 1966 and attended Henderson State University, where he competed in football, swimming, and track. He graduated college in 1971 with a BSE in Physical Education began a legendary career as coach and athletic director throughout Southwest Arkansas. Gary spent 21 years at Nashville High School coaching football, tennis, and track and served as Athletic Director. Gary used his experience to help build a competitive program as Athletic Director and Football Coach at Lakeside High School for 12 years. Retirement could not keep him away from the game, he returned to serve as Athletic Director and Football Coach at Mineral Springs High and closed his career coaching football at Arkansas High. A total of 44 years spent mentoring many generations of athletes. Gary's hard work and dedication is evident and brought many accomplishments and recognition. Gary's successes started in high school and then college sports. In college he earned nine varsity letters, and other valued awards. Among a great deal of successes were conference titles and state play-off appearances. He holds a variety of Outstanding Coach of the Year awards and coached several All Star football teams. Gary organized the first high school football team to play in Europe. He was named Arkansas Athletic Director of the Year in 1994 and 1995. Gary served many years with the AHSAA and received a National Federation Citation by the NFHS in 2008. He was later inducted into the Arkansas High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2019. His passions reached beyond the football field. Gary was strong in his faith and loved his family. He was married to his college sweetheart, Jan Allen Segrest; for 49 years who was always his biggest fan. He cherished time spent with his loving daughters and their families, Jeni Davidson (Brain) and Katie Kirkland (Skylar). Being a "Pop" to Denver, Ava, Elle Kathryn, and Hollis brought him the greatest joy. He was also a dedicated member of First Baptist Church of Hot Springs. Ever the storyteller, he loved recounting his adventures in the great outdoors. The pallbearers for his service include Ken Allen, Hal Boggs, Daniel Cooper, Randy Hornbeck, Skylar Kirkland, and Randy Teale. Honorary pallbearers include Butch Bradley, Charles Carozza, Don Derfler, Bill Henderson, Marty Renfroe, Dr. Bruce Smith, Kirk Smith, Reggie Speights, and Randy White. Gary's visitation will be held on Monday, December 19th from 9-11 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Hot Springs followed by his celebration of life at 11 a.m. A family burial will be held at Walnut Tree Cemetery in Bradley, Ark. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him. His stories will be shared for a lifetime. A great deal of appreciation to all who loved, laughed, and made memories with him. His family is grateful for the care and guidance of Dr. Tim Webb, Dr. Timothy English, and to his dedicated nurses during the hardest of days. Gary was one of a kind, and his "one-liners" will live on forever. If desired, memorials can be made to First Baptist Upward Youth Program, Arkansas Children's Hospital, or a charity of your choice. Guests may register at www.GrossFuneralHome.com