Contributions to the tribute of Gary Raymond Hallmark

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The family of Gary Raymond Hallmark uploaded a photo

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

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Alec Young posted a condolence

Sunday, June 11, 2017

I was a Base Community Planning intern at Shaw AFB. Mr. Gary Hallmark mentored and trained me full-time for two years before his retirement. It was an honor to be under his tutelage and a blessing to have crossed paths with him. I imagine it is not an easy task to mentor and teach a new employee your job when you’re about to retire, and unfortunately for Mr. Hallmark, he had me to deal with. I was overly bold and constantly challenging with a lot of “how”, “why”, “what-if”, and “can we” questions. In looking back now, there were Mondays where he had every right to tell me to just go home and lay-off the coffee, but he never did. He was always patient with me…always accepting…always friendly. As an Asian-American who grew up in California and Ohio, we definitely had our differences. I will never agree with him that Strom Thurmond was a great Senator, nor will I ever agree with him that Nathan Bedford Forrest was a good role-model. We looked past our differences to form a professional and mentor-mentee bond. I came to enjoy hearing his “sea-stories.” Some were literally sea-stories because he served in the Navy. I heard about his grandmother, about his childhood, about his times being at sea in the Navy, about his ex, about him meeting his wife Caroll, about him raising his daughter, and about him being a Community Planner for the AF. There were several times he could have advanced in his career, but it required him to relocate to another State and leave old friendships behind. He chose the latter. It testifies of the kind of person he was, and my hope is that by God’s grace, I would be the same. My fondest memory of being with Mr. Hallmark is the time I visited him at the hospital and having the chance to pray with him to receive the Lord Jesus into our hearts and for Him to be our life and Savior. He could have been a believer for over 60 years, but I wanted to make sure. So, perhaps, he indulged my childish innocence and prayed with me. I am sad on one hand of his passing, but I am confident we will see each other again in resurrection, in the New Jerusalem, and with our reigning and loving Christ.

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Susan McMaster and John Bigum posted a condolence

Saturday, June 10, 2017

Gary is a very special person, and we enjoyed his company. We especially cherish the artwork he gave us, and we will think of him each time we see his pictures on our walls. Gary is blessed to have had you in his life, Caroll. Thanks for introducing us to him.

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Mark Sanchez posted a condolence

Friday, June 9, 2017

In spite of sadness and a broken heart. I will smile and celebrate the life of my colleague, mentor, and friend Gary. I will always enjoy the memories of moments of laughter, fellowship, and professional dialogue. We always teased Gary about his interactions with senior Civil Engineering staff and that he must get mobile and chase the career brass rings. Regardless of the GS Grade, Gary was a rock star in Air Force Comprehensive Planning. He touched so many of us and encouraged us on the career journey. I will also cherish the personal moments such as his watercolors and the gifts he shared with us. And as a Vietnam Vet, Gary was also "Number 10...Number Ten Thou!" I am glad that God caused my path to intersect with such a fine gentleman as Gary Hallmark.

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Donna Tate posted a condolence

Friday, June 9, 2017

Gary was a very special friend. We grew up together and have know each for about 59 years. He was always so much fun and lived to tease me. I will miss him. Caroll I thank God he had you on his lifeE37T

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Vicki Adcock, Glenda Gillespie and Melvin Hallmark posted a condolence

Thursday, June 8, 2017

Dear Caroll, We loved Gary very much and when he married you we loved you very much too. Gary was a special cousin that dropped by the house as we grew up just to check on his cousins. The three of us were very close in age we had many good times to together growing up. Melvin and Gwen Hallmark loved you both like children always communicating and talking even if by telephone. Mother loved spending time with Caroll at family reunions (Gary too) but she loved walking and talking with Caroll. Dad has all the art work that Gary did for him and Vicki has three of his pieces on her office wall that will all be cherished. The picture that Gary drew of Dad and Gary as the "old fishermen" is priceless. Dad looked forward to reunions because he knew Gary would want to fish with him even if Gary ended up n the middle of no where. There are so many special times and things that happened over the years. We are so grateful that God gave Gary and Caroll to us during reunion time last year. We had a special dinner with them and we had so much fun - lots of laughter. We love you and will you will continue to be part of our family and in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Melvin, Glenda and Vicki

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Georganne Kirven posted a condolence

Thursday, June 8, 2017

I was saddened to read of Gary's death. To the family and friends...Remember that it is love that gives life meaning. It is love that makes us care. In our times of grief and sorrow, it is love we come to share. It is love that brings us comfort. It is love that helps us cope. And in the darkest hours, it is love that gives us hope. May the love of friends and family be a comfort to you at this difficult time. I knew Gary in my "professional life". Many years ago, I was the Executive Director of Sumter County Keep America Beautiful (KAB) with Sumter County Clemson Extension Service. Gary graciously served on the KAB Board and several subcommittees. He was always willing to assist with any project. After I left that career path, I would see him in the local grocery store. He was always friendly and cheerful. What a great guy! The community will miss him!

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Jane and Jimmy Harley posted a condolence

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Carol, we are praying for you during this time and were saddened to hear of Gary's passing. May you be showered with great memories of Gary and if we can be of help in any way we are available anytime.

Gary Raymond Hallmark

1946 - 2017