Gaylord Wayne Carlock

Dr. Gaylord Wayne Carlock went home to be with his Savior, Jesus Christ, on October 24, 2022.

Gaylord was born to Marvin Benjamin (Bill) and Luella Juanita Carlock on November 13, 1943, and was a lifelong resident of Joshua, TX. He was a born leader, serving as student body president at Joshua High School, team captain of his athletic teams, and graduating as valedictorian in 1962.

After high school, Gaylord earned both a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from the University of Texas at Arlington. He would go on to earn a PhD in Electrical Engineering from Southern Methodist University.

Gaylord married his high school sweetheart, Linda Cain, in 1964. They enjoyed 57 years of marriage and produced four children.

Gaylord worked for NASA in the mid-1960’s and then for General Dynamics. He also worked for Bell Helicopter, where he was instrumental in the development of a specialized system for the V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft. Gaylord then joined Lockheed Martin, where he worked for many years in the Missiles and Fire Control division, developing precision defense systems for the United States and NATO militaries, including surface to air missiles and defense shield interceptor systems.

Gaylord was a professional engineer, architect, and civil designer, but his many talents also included home building, farming, ranching, and botany. He worked with his hands in the fields, farming and ranching as an outlet to his “work” life. Never one for sitting still, he dabbled in various things, always wanting to learn more.

His family always came first. There wasn’t a football game, basketball game, baseball game, track meet, or dance recital of one of his kids or grandkids that he didn’t attend. He was team Dad, dugout Dad, coach and cheerleader through the years. No matter how busy he was at work, he always made time to be supportive for in the events his children and grandchildren were involved in.

Always a protector, he diligently worked to help make his community and country a better and safer place while living his life in a way to glorify his Savior. He was a man of upmost integrity, accepting of others and always giving of his time and resources. He fought a courageous battle of heart disease, continuing to show us all his strength and character. Gaylord was loved by all who knew him.  Always wearing his trademark smile, he lived his life taking full advantage of the gifts God gave him to help others.  He was a brilliant man with a servant’s heart. If you knew him, you know the remarkable man he was. He will be missed.

Gaylord is survived by his wife Linda; his sister Margie Elrod (and husband James) his children: Gina (and her husband Lance), Vicki, Scott (and his wife Angel), and Ryan (and his wife Heather); his grandchildren: Zachary (and wife Natalie), Tyler (and wife Emily), Graham (and wife Brittney), Savannah (and husband Clayton), Camden, Everett, Chloe, Case, and Luella; and great-grandchildren: Shepherd, Brooks, and Hampton.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

Union Hill Cemetery

912 Conveyor Dr

Joshua, TX 76058