Dr. Garry Lynn Nall Profile Photo
1936 Dr. Garry Lynn Nall 2024

Dr. Garry Lynn Nall

August 12, 1936 — November 1, 2024

Garry Lynn Nall, Ph.D, passed peacefully on November 1, 2024.

A memorial service will be at Polk Street Methodist Church at 2:00 pm on Monday, February 17, 2025.

Garry was born in Loving, Texas, to Lynn and Alverse Lou Nall. He attended Loving Elementary and graduated from Graham High School. He attended the University of Texas where he graduated with a BA in Plan 2, MA in History, and then attended Oklahoma University where he received his Ph.D, studying under the direction of Gilbert Fite. Garry then began his career as a professor at West Texas State University. He also served as a visiting professor at Texas A & M University.

On June 3, 1978, he married Annette Fowler. He and Annette were long-time members of Polk Street Methodist Church. He taught the 50/50 Sunday School Class for many years and served as president of the S.T.A.R.S. He was also the church historian, publishing the Polk Street Methodist Centennial Book dating from 1888-1988. Garry was also a member of the Texas Panhandle Heritage Foundation, where he was a past president and served on the board for many years. He was a greeter who was instrumental in the opening night reception of the play TEXAS and served as a board Emeritus member. He received the Gilvin Award from the TEXAS play. He also served as a board member and was a past president of the West Texas Historical Association and Emeritus Board Member for many years. Garry and Annette were recipients of the Golden Nail Award nominated by The Amarillo Opera and Texas. 

Garry was Kappa Alpha Order Faculty Advisor and Province Commander in the Texas Panhandle, Oklahoma, and New Mexico; National KA Historical Committee, and National Scholarship Chairman. Received several awards, including the Knight Commander’s Accolade.

In 2016, the Center for the Studies of the American West (CSAW) at West Texas A&M University launched the Garry L. Nall Lecture Series that is a bi-annual signature event typically held in October that features a Western American Scholar, while the Spring signature event in April features a Western American Artist.

In 2000 Garry was awarded the Piper Foundation Professorship for higher education careers. Retirement gave him opportunities for more activities as reading, traveling, and visiting or helping others. A life well-lived! 

Garry is preceded in death by his parents and his sister Nancy.

Garry is survived by his wife Annette, Sammie Saulsbury, Jim Stroud, Sarah and Bob Bettinger, John and Kathie Fowler, plus their extended families, dear friends and colleagues. 

 In lieu of flowers please send memorials to WTAMU Foundation Garry and Annette Nall Scholarship Canyon, Texas 79016 or your favorite charity.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Dr. Garry Lynn Nall, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Upcoming Services

Memorial Service

Monday, February 17, 2025

2:00 - 3:00 pm (Central time)

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