In 2023, westXdesign, our family, and our entire community, lost a great man.
Brian Ray Gaylor, age 51, passed away surrounded by his wife and children.
Brian married Renee in Fort Stockton in 2005, where they raised their six daughters. His devotion to Renee was evident from the start when he proposed on one knee, despite his recent knee surgery. His commitment to his wife was his motivation for everything he did. He was a dedicated father who offered love and guidance as he instilled in his children the importance of family, generosity, and hard work. Brian was a committed husband and father who led his family by example. He and his family opened the Garage Coffee, Music & More to provide an all-ages music and entertainment venue in Fort Stockton, bringing in independent musicians from all around the world, and hosting unique events like Tuesday Trivia Night and Game Nights. He was very proud of the business and mourned when it had to close during the COVID pandemic.
Brian loved working on his many cars and riding motorcycles. He was outgoing, social, and friendly, and would give the shirt off his back and his last dollar to anyone in need. He loved music and live theater and was a long-time member of the Chamber of Commerce, supporting the community in any way he could. He served on the Chamber Board of Directors from 2019-2022 and as President of the Board 2021-2022. He was part of the Leadership Fort Stockton class of 2016-2017 and volunteered every year afterward as a mentor and teacher for future leaders in the program. He also supported veterans in any way he could, including being one of the primary organizers of the Garage Bash, a music festival featuring independent artists to raise funds for combat veterans. Brian was a familiar face behind the scenes with many organizations, volunteering his time, knowledge, and funds to make Fort Stockton a better place to live for all.
Brian is preceded in death by his father Billy H Gaylor, father-in-law RC Forrister, father-in-love John Charles Sumner, uncle Ricky Gaylor, and son Michael Pierce Gaylor.
He is survived by wife Renee; daughters Courtney, Chrissi (Art Ureste), Rachael, Karlee (Richard Somers), Allie (John Urias), Amanda (Jesse Irwin), granddaughter Bailey Ureste, grandson Mason Irwin, mother Darolyn Gaylor, and brothers Paul (Leticia) and Donny (Marion), as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Brian was an example to us all on how to be a leader. He never hesitated to do the work alongside those he was leading and reminded us to play and enjoy life with as much effort and gusto as we put into our work. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Rest in peace, Superman. You will never be forgotten.
