Saturday, May 4, 2024
A FRUITFUL LIFE: Garry Luker, who died of liver cancer Thursday, was the force behind many developments in Hood County. He gave back to the community by supporting local causes. Photo by David Montesino
Garry Luker, who made millions during his long career as a developer and donated to local causes, has died.
He was 89.
Luker passed away Thursday at his home from liver cancer.
Visitation will be from 3-5 p.m. Sunday at Wiley Funeral Home.
A memorial service will be held at Lakeside Baptist Church at 2 p.m. Monday followed by burial at Holly Hills Memorial Park.
County Court-at-Law Judge Vincent Messina, a longtime friend of Luker’s, told the Hood County News that he will deliver the eulogy.
Messina emailed this statement to the Hood County News:
“It's been said that good friends know all your stories and best friends help write your stories. If that's true, then Garry has been a prolific author. Over the course of a 65-year real estate career he has done so much to shape Hood County. Ashley Oaks, Catalina Bay, Highland Park Bay, Vista Oaks, Bella Vista, Luker Ranch (and) Gateway Industrial Park are just a few of the many developments brought to life by Garry.
“The Hood County News named him a ‘living legend’ and that label is fitting for sure. It was also 100% aggravating because every time I spoke to Garry he would always ask, ‘Vincent, what's it like talking to a living legend?’
“As crazy busy as Garry was, even into his late 80’s, he found the time to give back to this community. He donated the first residence that was used as the first women’s' shelter operated by Mission Granbury, he donated several acres to Hood County to be used as a park, he supported countless local charities with gifts of money and time and served his community by serving many years on the GISD school board as a trustee and as president.
“He loved his Lord, his family, and his country, in that order. He was just a decent human being and cared deeply for those less fortunate than himself. I will miss him every day.”
The HCN published a lengthy profile of Luker in October 2020, calling him one of the top newsmakers and personalities in Hood County’s history.
A colorful and at times controversial character, Luker moved to Hood County in 1969 and founded Granbury Land Co. It was the same year that Lake Granbury was created.
He skyrocketed to the top of the local real estate world during the 1970s and 1980s as the new lake created an ever-increasing demand for housing.
Some of Luker’s early developments included mobile home subdivisions, some of which later fell into disrepair. This led to criticism of the developer, but Luker said he “played by the rules” and developed according to county regulations that were in place at the time. The county has since imposed stricter mandates.
Along the way, there were lawsuits. He won some, he lost some.
Years ago, Luker won when he was sued by the county, and won again when he countersued.
Even though the county owed him money, he waived the money owed because he said he didn’t want to burden taxpayers.
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
Luker was born on a farm in Comanche County on Oct. 16, 1933. His family had little money, but Luker said he was raised with love.
He did not go to college but didn’t let that bother him.
“I knew I was street smart. And that’s what counts,” he told the HCN in 2020.
Like others in his family, Luker served his country in the military. He joined the Air Force and was stationed overseas in Okinawa.
Ambitious and eager to succeed, he often worked two jobs.
At age 39, Luker went to work for Western Resort Properties, owned by Dallas Cowboy founder Clint Murchison, Jr. In today’s dollars, his salary was about $300,000 — not bad for a young man who didn’t go to college.
Ten years after hanging a shingle in Granbury, Luker bought 200 acres in southern Hood County and built a large stone house on a hill with a pool house, a large barn, and a stunning view of the lake.
He lived in that house for almost 40 years before moving to a lakefront home in Waterview.
When Luker spoke with the HCN two years ago, he was planning another big project: developing 95 tracts on 180 acres of his ranch.
Luker had a daughter, a son, two grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Although he acknowledged the role that his own hard work played in his success, Luker credited God for most of it.
“I’ve had an interesting life,” he told the HCN. “The Lord has been good to me.”
