Leaving a Bigger Woodpile

Garry Hamilton retired after 47 years in banking but has worked tirelessly on behalf of Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Hurst-Euless-Bedford (HEB) for the past 30 years. Over the decades, he has worn many hats for the hospital, serving as a board member of the hospital and the Harris Methodist Health System, a member and current chair of the Friends of Texas Health HEB, founding chair of the Texas Health Community Impact board, as well as a champion for major hospital campaigns and events.

His passion for the HEB community and the hospital stems from the belief that when you focus on the well-being of the people who live in your community, you can change the landscape of the entire community. “Texas Health is a not-for-profit hospital, and the fact that we are faith-based falls in line with the community services we offer,” says Garry. “Programs such as THRIVE, Healthy Food Access, and the mobile mammography unit allow us to reach out into the community and improve lives up front in a preventative way, not on the back end, which is through the ER.”

The hospital has served as the background for some of Garry’s most pivotal moments, from the births of three grandchildren to his first wife Sherry’s passing in 2017. He and his current wife, Wendy, are members of the Farrington-Thompson Society, which means they have included Texas Health in their estate plans. The legacy left by supporters like Garry ensure that our mission continues to flourish for years to come.

“One of my mentors in life told me to leave a woodpile behind a little larger than you found it. There are so many organizations asking for money these days and I think the HEB area is vitally important,” says Garry. “Whatever we can do with our little bit of the woodpile, I know we can make a difference.”