Gary Alfred Dill

Gary Dill passed away at the age of 77. Gary was born in Galena Park, Texas to R.E. and Joyce Brewer Dill. The first member of his family to graduate from high school, teachers inspired Gary to become a lifelong learner. Gary earned his bachelor’s degree from Houston Baptist University, a master of divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, a doctor of ministry from Southern Theological Seminary in Louisville, and a Ph.D. in higher education policy, leadership, and ethics from the University of Texas at Austin.

For over five decades, Gary served as a pastor in the Baptist, Church of the Brethren, Lutheran, and Presbyterian churches. He enjoyed filling the pulpit in other denominations, worked to foster inter-faith dialogue, and discovered a passion for being a teaching elder, which led him into academics. Gary was a member of the faculty of St. Cloud State University in Minnesota, a Senior Vice President of Schreiner University in Kerrville, Texas, President of McPherson College in McPherson, Kansas, and President of University of the Southwest in Hobbs, New Mexico. After “retiring,” Gary moved to Alpine, Texas where he took up Mahjong, loved watching college and professional sports, and discovered the joys of napping with his canine companions (Jet, Jackson, Jester, and Vaughn) by his side. Not one content to be idle for long, Gary became an Airbnb host (hot breakfasts included), pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Marfa, and a member the Board of Trustees of the University of the Ozarks. In 2021, Gary relocated to San Antonio, where he was a member of Mission Presbytery and of the University Presbyterian Church choir.

Gary is survived by his wife, Marilyn; his daughter Emily Hilliard and her husband Henry; his son Isaac Dill and his wife Madison; his son Moses Dill and his friend Eden; his son Grant Davis-Denny and his wife Lori; his son Phillip Denny; and nine grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Presbyterian Children’s Home and Services (PCHAS), House of Neighborly Service, or a memorial of your choosing.

A memorial service will be at University Presbyterian Church, 300 Bushnell Avenue, San Antonio, Texas on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.