Dr. Garry Lynn Nall

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 Lynn Nall was born in Loving, Texas, to Lynn Harrison and Alverse Lou Nall on August 12, 1936. Garry joined a loving family of Nalls who enjoyed each other's company and their weekly Sunday gatherings, where they visited and enjoyed homemade ice cream. Garry, a 1954 graduate of Graham (Texas) High School, earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Texas in 1958 and 1959, respectively. He joined the WTSC faculty as an instructor in 1963 “with the intention of staying one year.” That was 63 years ago. He received his doctorate from Oklahoma University in 1972. He was a visiting professor in Agriculture History From 1984 to 1985: he spent several summers doing workshops for teachers at the University of Texas, NTSU, and the Marsh Lectures at Amarillo College. Garry remained an integral and involved member of the WT community throughout his tenure. He retired in 2001.

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 is a bi-annual signature event typically held in October that features a Western American Scholar, while the Spring signature event in April features Western American authors.

In 2001, Garry was awarded the Piper Foundation Professorship for higher education careers. Retirement gave him opportunities for more activities, such as reading, traveling, and visiting or helping others. A life well-lived! 

Garry was 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 Canyon, Texas 79016, for the Garry and Annette Nall Scholarship, the Center for the Study of the American West (CSAW), or Polk Street Methodist Church.