In our youth we focused on the visible. We valued what we perceived as attractive and beautiful. It was a time we worshiped super-heroes such as Superman, Aqua-man, Batman and many others featured in Dell Comic Books.      When a young man in our mist came along resembling one of those super-heroes, we admired him. We placed him on a pedestal and tried to find ways to associate with him. His name was Gary Shinall. His size was massive. His hair was blond and his abnormal good looks were mesmerizing.      God blessed him with a pleasant personality, an above average intellect, a love of life and a passion for music. His combined assets attracted the

     He was always more comfortable in a quiet setting and he best enjoyed visiting with family followed by a handful of close friends.

     As a child he lost his Dad at an early age. Good looks abounded in his family.

     In her eighties, Lois Shinall Bailey remains beautiful today. Those movie star looks were conveyed to his older brother, Brent who resembled Rock Hudson in his youth, his sister, Lana and youngest brother Lance who strikingly looks a lot like Gary.

     To those who much is given, much is expected. Gary gave a lot first excelling in many sports. He began to gain the attention of coaches, sportswriters, fans, friends and fellow athletes. He didn’t just break athletic records, he shattered them. In high school he made All State and then All Southern in football. The University of Arkansas offered a full scholarship but he later found Memphis State more to his liking. He even frequently played touch football with Elvis Presley on Elvis’s front lawn.

     Perhaps it was his love of music that attracted him to Elvis’ mansion. Later in life Gary manufactured and sold beautiful stereo cabinet speakers that were in great demand. Those who purchased these stereo units left documentation of the quality of the products and the quality of the man who made them. Go to Google, type in Gary Shinall.

    Gary also traveled the globe rebuilding destroyed oil refineries keeping him from home extended periods.  His greatest life achievements were his marriage to Barbara, their children and grandchildren. His love for his family is well documented.

    Gary’s life was one lived well. Those of us privileged to know him are extremely grateful. I was fortunate in that he called me friend.

    All of us remaining as the Pine Bluff High School Class of 1961 will miss him.
                                                                        
                                                                             Bobby Smithey