Gary Ray Stidman

In Loving Memory of Gary Stidman

October 27, 1979 - August 1, 2026

He is survived by: his biological dad: Danny Stidman, his wife, Meaghann Stidman; his children, Mckenzi Stidman, Haylee Stidman, Ashlynn Stidman, Jayde Stidman, and Delilah Stidman; his brother, Raymond Courtright, his wife, Laura Courtright, and two children; his brother, Jimmy Stidman, and his four children; his brother, Daniel Stidman, and his three children; and his sister, Shanna (Stidman) Martinez, her husband, Raymond Martinez, and four children.

Our dad, Gary Stidman, was a one-of-a-kind man who could never be replaced. He was hardworking, stubborn, funny, thick-skinned, and somehow instantly lovable to the people lucky enough to know him. He wasn't the kind of person you simply met-he was the kind of person you remembered.

Gary was proud of who he was. He was proud to be part of the oilfield. The oilfield wasn't just a job to him-it was a way of life and something he took great pride in. He showed up and gave it everything he had, no matter what was thrown at him.

He worked on the rigs through every kind of weather and condition imaginable. Whether it was freezing cold, pouring rain, or scorching heat-whether he was exhausted, sick, or feeling on top of the world-he showed up and did what needed to be done. He was the kind of man who pushed through, never made excuses, and believed in doing things the right way. His strength, determination, and work ethic were qualities everyone around him admired.

Even when he was away from home, his heart was always with his family. While he was on the rig, he spent his time thinking about and planning what he was going to do on his days off-the adventures, the fun, and the memories he wanted to make with the people he loved. Coming home was what he looked forward to most.

And when he was home, everyone knew it. He brought life with him. He could turn ordinary moments into stories we'd laugh about for years. He loved fishing, hunting, riding side-by-sides, dirt bikes, and motorcycles, enjoying a cold beer, and anything that meant being outdoors and making memories. He gave us the kind of childhood and moments that we will carry with us forever.

He wasn't perfect, and he would have been the first to tell you that. He was stubborn, he spoke his mind, and he was proudly an a--hole-but that was Gary. Underneath all of that was a man who loved deeply, protected fiercely, and would do anything for the people he cared about.

He was more than just our dad. He was a devoted husband, a son, a brother, an uncle, a friend, and the proud father of five children. He was someone people counted on, someone people laughed with, and someone whose presence could fill any room.

One thing he always said was, "It's never goodbye; it's always see you later." Those words mean more now than ever. We know this isn't goodbye. It's only see you later.

And just like he always said, "It is what it is." As difficult as those words are to accept today, we will carry him with us in everything we do-in the stories we tell, the laughs we share, and the memories that will never fade.

Dad, thank you for the lessons, the laughs, the adventures, and the love. Thank you for working as hard as you did and for showing us what strength looked like. Thank you for being exactly who you were. You were loved more than words can ever say, and you will continue to be loved for the rest of our lives.

See you later, Dad. We love you.

Your wife, Meaghann, and your children, Mckenzi, Haylee, Ashlynn, Jayde, & Delilah

--You were the greatest dad in the world. I love you to the moon and back, forever. Thank you for giving me my best friend, Cuddles. I will forever cherish her in your love and memory. ❤️

Delilah Jane⸻

May the greatest uncle and the roughest roughneck we ever had the privilege of knowing rest easy. We love you forever, Uncle Dude.

Dylan, Morgyn, Harper, & Beau

⸻

Gary,

Thank you for being the bubbly, outgoing, outspoken, and ornery person you were. Your love and legacy will live on through the countless lives you touched. You are deeply loved and greatly missed.

Rest in peace, my friend and brother. ❤️

Love, Bobby, Tosha, & Family

⸻

Uncle Dude,

I hope you have trails to ride and rivers to fish in Heaven. I love you, man. I'll keep you in my heart forever.

Anthony

⸻

Some people light up the world with their presence and leave a lasting impression on every soul they touch. The only thing we can truly take with us from this life is the good we have done for others.

Brother

⸻

To our brother, brother-in-law, best friend, and uncle, we will cherish every moment and every memory. You are deeply loved and missed!

Until we see you later-FISH ON, BROTHER!

Sister, Ray Ray, Tejay, Melissa, Stevie, Koda, Bruce, Paige, & Brooklyn

⸻

Gary is now reunited with his parents, Walter Buford and Corinna Buford. May they wrap their arms around him, welcome him home, and hold him in peace.

Gary leaves behind a family who loved him deeply, a lifetime of memories that can never be replaced, and a legacy that will continue through all those who were fortunate enough to know and love him. 

Gary's celebration of life service will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 15, 2026 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.