Gary Patrick (Pat) Day

November 24, 1943 - August 7, 2021

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Gary Patrick (Pat) Day, 77, of Portland, TX, passed away on Saturday, August 7, 2021. A private, family graveside service will be held on Friday, August 20, 2021 at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery in Midland, Texas. A Celebration of Life will be held in Portland, Texas in October to reminisce life’s pathway with Pat.

Pat was born on November 24, 1943 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Cleo Doreen McGrew and Otis Edward Day. Pat successfully completed multiple aviation-related careers. Pat served as Vice President of Operations of the Southwestern Explosives Company (later known as the Austin Powder Company) and upon retirement, operated American Patrols, Inc. and SkyWest Airport. Pat competed in aerobatic competition, which is sponsored by the International Aerobatic Club and air racing at the National Championship Air Races, which are sponsored by the Reno Air Racing Association. He was instrumental in establishing The Blastards, the Explosives Ordnance Detachment of the Commemorative Air Force. Pat was a great pilot. If it had wings, he could fly it.
Pat was a member of Trinity-Our Savior Lutheran Church in Corpus Christi and life-time member of the Commemorative Air Force.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy of Portland; son, James (Terri) of Hutto; daughter, Charisse Rook (Erik) of San Angelo; Kyle Hendrix (Jennifer) of San Antonio; 6 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren; and brother, Mark Day (Vicki) of Austin.

He is preceded in death by his first wife, Connie.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to the Permian Basin Rehabilitation Center and/or Operation Finally Home, a program providing mortgage-free homes to wounded, ill or disabled veterans.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com.

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Pat and I ushered at church. I always enjoyed being around him. I said a prayer for you Nancy.

God Bless Pat Day! Nancy, I’m so sorry for your loss. He was such a fun and sunny person. I knew Pat from Skywest which was a lovely place to be! My Daddy, George Cummins, loved being with you all there too. Pat was there to cheer me on the day I soloed! Memories of your chili cook offs, Bill Jessup, Joe Greenhill and all the other great folks there are some of my favorites! He is definitely enjoying good company, still flying with his new wings, while he waits for you to join him someday. I wish I could hug you. Caren

We met Pat through Nancy, who we already considered so much more than a customer. His smile was as infectious as his friendly charm. I never had to look for Pat at events, he usually found us; hugs all around and Nancy's bubbly laugh would follow as he invited us to where they were. I'm sure he was that way with many people; making them feel comfortable and at the same time included. For those still here, for his family, friends, and Nancy... while there is now a Pat shaped hole in the universe, where he once was, I pray that God's grace, love and the genuine kindness Pat shared will fill it up until we get to see him again. I'm pretty sure that by the time we get there, he will have found the very best table and be waiting for us with a hug and a smile.

I wish to bid a fond farewell from all MAF QBs, and West Texas Flyers. I also know that Pat is surely trading stories with Joe Greenhill, and all those Friends, Gone West. Godspeed, Pat. Bill Robinson

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.