TRIBUTES
SHARING THE IMPACT GARY MADE
Gary S. Paxton was one of my husband, Gary Lee Koreiba's, biggest musical influences and one of his most ardent supporters and encouragers of his talent from the moment they met when my Gary was 18-years-old until the last day we saw him. As we took our gang from the show into Gary Paxton's hospital room to sing for him, he listened with his eyes closed. When we finished singing, he spoke up and said, "You guys are amazing! As soon as I get out of here we're gonna write a hit for you!" We are blessed to have known this musical innovator who opened the door for many of us who followed him in Contemporary Christian Music. But more importantly, our lives have been enriched by knowing this man who talked about two things--songs and Jesus! - Kim Boyce
In going to at least 3 churches with Gary, I became a semi-friend and had many conversations with him. I was impressed with his love for Christ as well as his active proclamation of Jesus to many others. He was a very talented, but humble person. As a young teen, I enjoyed his great "rock and roll" songs; then as a Christian, I appreciated the great songs ("He Was There All The Time," etc.) he wrote out of his devoted heart! (I also love his humorous Christian songs: "You Ain't Smoking Those Cigarettes, They Are Smoking You."). All in all, Gary S Paxton was a genius with many versatile talents, and a wonderful Christian man who was full of love. As I taught college, I was impressed by the reaction of my students when I told them that I was "a friend" of the man who wrote "Monster Mash". They all knew Gary's song! -Henderson Charles-Raynelle
Gary led me to the Lord, he was the only one that could do it, God knew that, that is why he put Gary in my life. I still have the Bible Gary gave to me after I was saved. - Greg Richards
I’ve got dozens of memories with Gary. But the last one. I was standing in the door of his hospital room. They had him on a bed rolling him down the hall. He lifted up his finger and yelled "Hang on Bill. We’ve got one more hit in us". That was the last time I saw him. My hero. I loved that man more than words can say. - Bill Brooks
