Gregory Mast Oathout

Gregory Mast Oathout was born on March 26,1966 in Greenville South Carolina.

His childhood was one of many new places, New York, Rhode Island and finally Texas. He graduated from Berkner High School and southern Methodist University. His professional career had two distinct phases, retail management, and education.

Greg began his career in retail management in San Marcos with VF Corporation. He then moved to New York, Maryland, and New Jersey. He then became district manager for Harley Davidson based in Florida.

When his son Arthur graduated from college, Greg decided to change directions. He packed up returning to Dallas. He went back to school. He then went from Mr. Oathout to Mr. O, fifth grade teacher. As Mr. O he joined the faculty of William B Travis Academy/Vanguard for the Academically Talent and Gifted. This was one of the happiest times of his life. Teaching history and science was his passion.

Greg’s life was not without challenges. He suffered from diabetes. He took great pride in riding his electric bike to the train station to go to school. Unfortunately, a biking accident resulted in Greg losing his leg. Greg attacked this loss with his usual optimism. Every new step from mastering a wheelchair to mastering a psoriasis was celebrated. When he could not teach full time, he became a substitute teacher. He found his lover for kindergarten. Each day was an adventure at a new school. When asked how the students reacted to his wheelchair he replied,’ they just thought I was old.”

In May he discovered an obstacle he could not overcome, cancer. His can-do attitude was evident in his approach to his illness. As one friend noted,” Greg showed us how to live, now he is showing us how to die.

Greg passed away peacefully on June 10

He will be remembered for his enthusiasm. Be it fishing, riding bikes, sports especially the Dallas Cowboys, reading, El Caminos and traveling. He will be remembered for the joy he found in buying Christmas gifts. He will be remembered by the hundreds of students who were motivated to learn science and the constitution.

Greg was preceded in death by his father Edward A Oathout, his stepfather Frank A Woodyard, hi maternal s grandparents Angelo and Catherine Mast. His paternal grandparents Warren and Shirley Oathout

He is survived by his mother Sandra Mast, his son Arthur Reyes Garcia and wife Toni Santamaria Garcia, his nephew Elliot Mast, his niece Georgia Mast and his Woodyard sister and brothers.

Tris Welsh and husband Skip, Frank Woodyard Jr and Michael Woodyard and wife Kim

A Memorial Mass will be held at St Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church in Plano on July 20.2026 at 10:00 AM - reception will follow.