Gary Steven Ware

November 22, 1959 - July 5th, 2025

Gary Steven Ware of Atlanta, Texas, died on Saturday, July 5th, 2025, at the age of 65. Steve was born in Marshall, Texas, on November 22, 1959, to Lawrence and Norma Ware and was raised in Atlanta, Texas. He was a member of the 1978 graduating class of Atlanta High School and a proud four-year-member of the award-winning golf team and a member of the basketball team for one year.

After graduating from Atlanta High School, Steve went on to play golf on scholarship at Texarkana College before completing his business management degree from East Texas State University. He then married the love of his life, Linda Haley, in 1984.

Steve and Linda moved back to Atlanta from Dallas in the fall of 1986, and he went to work for the family business, Ware Plumbing. He eventually would take over the business from his father in 1997. Steve was an incredibly hard worker and put in countless hours providing for his family and running Ware Plumbing for over 27 years. His family was proud of his unwavering work ethic and the long hours he dedicated to his career, yet he always made time for those he loved: his children, wife, and friends.

He was a Christian and a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church of Atlanta, TX, and it was very important to him that both of his kids were raised in the church. In recent years, Steve found great joy in supporting his son Jeffrey’s ministry and in sharing fellowship with his son’s congregations.

Steve was also an active member of his community. He served as a Director of the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce from 2004-2007; he was on the Board of Directors at Indian Hills Country Club for many years; and served as the Men’s Golf Association’s President.

Steve was an avid golfer, achieving an impressive two hole-in-ones in his lifetime. He won several tournaments, including the Indian Hills Club Championship, Indian Hills Invitational, and was also the Senior Club Champion at Texarkana Country Club in 2018, among others. Steve also loved the lake.

In his younger years, he was a fantastic water skier and even a barefoot skier. In addition to playing sports, he also loved coaching his kids in their own sports. He never missed one of their games, cheer contests, or marching band routines. In his retirement, Steve enjoyed fishing and traveling, especially with friends. Above all, he was a great husband, father, and “Pops”.

Steve is survived by his wife of 41 years, Linda Ware; son and daughter-in-law, Jeffrey and Hannah Ware of Fort Worth; daughter and son-in-law, Haley and Tanner Eliott of Texarkana; one granddaughter, Evelyn Ware of Fort Worth; and two grandsons due in September, Charles and Theodore Ware; sister and brother-in-law, Dianne and Jeff Williams of Bullard; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Eddie and Tammy Haley of Bivins; nephews, James Haley of Bivins, Paul Haley of Marshall, Blaine Ware of Avery; niece, Kristie Ware of Avery and numerous cousins. Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Norma Ware, and brother Tom Ware.

A service honoring Steve was held at First Baptist Church of Atlanta on July 8, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., under the direction of Hanner Funeral Service with Rev. Jeffrey Ware officiating.

Visitation was from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, July 7, 2025 at Hanner Funeral Service.

Guest registry is available at www.hannerfuneralservice. com