Gary Dorsey

Gary Lee Dorsey

July 11, 1948 - February 26, 2025

Gary Lee Dorsey, 76, of Capitan, NM, stepped into eternity on February 26, 2025, meeting his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, face to face.

Born on July 11, 1948, in Texarkana, AR, to Ernest L. and Cleo L. Dorsey, Gary lived a life dedicated to faith, family, and service. After graduating from Arkansas High School, he began working in sales at Barker's before being drafted into the United States Army. He served honorably in the Vietnam War from 1968-1969, where his unwavering faith and leadership were evident, even as he became the chaplain leader of his platoon.

Before leaving for Vietnam, Gary married the love of his life, Bonnie Joyce Pennington, whom he met while they served together at church. Upon returning home, he was stationed at Ft. Hood in Killeen, TX, where they welcomed their first child, Angela, in 1970. Soon after, Gary pursued his calling at Southwestern Bible College in Waxahachie, TX, answering the voice of God that had stirred his heart since he was 16.

Gary's ministry spanned decades, touching countless lives. He and Bonnie pastored their first church in Foreman, AR, where their son, Gary Adrian, was born in 1972. They later led East Barton Assembly in West Memphis, AR, from 1974 to 1984, where their daughter, Amber (1975) and son Micah (1982), were born. Their ministry continued at Raleigh Assembly of God in Memphis, TN, and Northside Assembly in Texarkana, TX, before they answered the call to Mescalero Family Worship Center in Mescalero, NM, in 2010.

Gary's love for the Mescalero people and his church family was unmistakable. He served them with a deep sense of purpose, never wavering in his devotion. Anyone who knew him knew how much he spoke about heaven, eagerly anticipating the day he would stand before Jesus. Fittingly, his final Facebook post, shared just hours before he passed, was a reflection of that longing. Now, he is experiencing something far greater than his beloved Westerns, Gunsmoke episodes, The Three Stooges, or The Andy Griffith Show-far better than what he called "the best run" after a morning jog, or "the best sleep" after every nap.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Cleo Dorsey; his brother, Leon Dorsey; his sister, Shirley Gray; and his best friend, Franklin, his faithful Corgi mix.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 57 years, Bonnie, of Capitan, NM; his children and their families:

• Angela Honea and husband Mylon of Texarkana, AR

• Gary A. Dorsey and wife Kaysie of Austin, TX

• Amber Warr of Capitan, NM

• Micah Dorsey and wife Brooke of Texarkana, TX

His 10 cherished grandchildren:

• India Thompson and husband Colton

• Patrick Dorsey

• Adrian and Ava Dorsey

• Cecilia, Hendrix, and Jaxon Warr

• Ellis, Ruby, and Hayes Dorsey

His 3 great-grandchildren:

• Wylie, Rose, and Memphis Thompson

His siblings:

• Bonnie Keahey and husband Sam

• Ernestine Rawls and husband Donald

• Edward Dorsey and wife Pat

Along with a host of nieces, nephews, and dear friends who will forever treasure his wisdom, humor, and unwavering faith.

A celebration of Gary's life will be held at Mescalero Assembly of God on Thursday, March 6th at 10:00am, where we will gather to honor the legacy of a man who lived fully for God, loved his family deeply, and never stopped pointing others to Jesus.

Until we meet again, Gary (Dad), enjoy the best rest in the arms of your Savior.