Gary M. Wooten was a Fort Worth business owner, Gibby Wooten was born to Maurece C. Wooten and Margaret Henderson Wooten. He married his best friend, Judy Campbell, whom he first met 44 years ago. They were blessed with 40 wonderful years together and three exceptional children.
Gibby was a lifelong resident of Fort Worth, graduating from Arlington Heights High School in 1961. He attended Texas Tech University and was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity. He graduated with a B.S. in industrial management in 1967 and was also a graduate of Harvard OPM Business School.
Gibby was the fourth owner and CEO of General Engineering Corp., a contracting firm which has served Fort Worth and Texas since 1918. He bought the company from his father, M.C. Wooten, Jim Goodloe and Jack Scarborough in 1986. In 1989, he expanded the company by adding the service division, GES Mechanical Services. Gibby always treated his employees like family, making it a home away from home for those who were blessed to work for him.
He had been very active in the mechanical contracting industry and had served as president of Mechanical Contractors Association of Fort Worth and of Texas. He was also a member of Associated General Contractors, Dallas BOMA, ASHRAE and a trustee of Fort Worth Plumbing and Pipefitters Association. He also served on the Apprentice Committee for Local 146.
He was a member of All Saints Episcopal Church, a supporter of Search Ministries and a graduate of Bible Study Fellowship. As a member of Ridglea Country Club, he served as chairman, president and a board member for many years. Other memberships included Fort Worth Club, Rotary Club, Harvard Club of Fort Worth, West Side Lions Club, where he also served as president and coached Little League baseball for many years. He loved seeing the many young men who had played for him and still call him "Coach."
Always the competitive athlete, Gibby was a passionate and skilled golfer. He competed in the U.S. Open Senior Amateur twice, was invited to and played in the BMW International Invitational in Munich, Germany, was three-time winner of the Men's West Texas Senior Championship and six-time winner of the Ridglea 400 Championship. He was a member of North Texas PGA. He had many wonderful memories of playing Pebble Beach, Spyglass, and Augusta National, the home of the Master's Tournament.
Gibby played baseball at Texas Tech and continued his love of baseball after college by participating in men's fast-pitch softball, playing for several teams in Fort Worth, including Meadowbrook Methodist, a team that won the state men's championship several times. He was voted the state's most outstanding player, with a batting average of .500.
Aside from his many accomplishments, everyone who knew Gibby fell in love with his great sense of humor, his unmatched generosity, his loyalty to friends, family and employees. He touched everyone who knew him in a special way and lived life to the fullest. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, the epitome of integrity, honesty and devotion. He never failed to be there when anyone asked him for help or guidance, setting an example that will live in the hearts of all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, M.C. Wooten and Margaret Wooten.
Survivors: His wife, Judy; daughters, Angela and her husband, Khris Kesling of Fort Worth, Cherish and her husband, Mark Young of Weatherford; son, Jeff Wooten of Los Angeles, Calif.; grandsons, Rutger and Remy Kesling of Fort Worth; granddaughter, Emily Young; grandson, William Young of Weatherford; brothers, James R. Wooten and Mickie Wooten, both of Fort Worth; eight nieces and nephews; numerous employees and friends; and his beloved dog, Gracie.