Community mourns Brother Gary following illness
Published 12:21 pm Sunday, July 19, 2026
On Sunday morning, Kristin Moses, the niece of Gary Moses — known throughout Victoria as “Brother Gary” — announced his passing.
Moses was a beloved figure in the Victoria community, recognized for his bright smile, infectious personality and genuine care for others. Whether greeting residents at community events, celebrating milestones or offering support during difficult times, Moses became known for making everyone feel welcomed.
A familiar face at local gatherings, Moses served as emcee for countless events and made special appearances at birthday parties, funerals and community celebrations, always sharing his enthusiasm and love for Victoria.
“With the heaviest of hearts, my family and I share the passing of my uncle, Gary Moses, whom Victoria knew and loved as Brother Gary,” Kristin Moses wrote in a social media post. “After a courageous nine-month battle with a rare illness, he passed away on Sunday, July 19, surrounded by the people who loved and cared for him. He was 76.”
Earlier this year, the Victoria City Council honored Moses by approving the renaming of the Community Center as the Gary Moses Community Center.
In December 2025, U.S. Rep. Michael Cloud recognized Moses with a Congressional Patriot Award.
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Community leaders also launched efforts in April to honor his legacy through a statue at the community center and scholarship funds benefiting students at Victoria College and Texas A&M University-Victoria.
Known as Victoria’s “unofficial lifetime mayor,” Moses spent many years as a teacher at Patti Welder Middle School, where he impacted generations of students.
He also hosted a weekly radio show and the “Where’s Brother Gary” Facebook livestreams with the Victoria Advocate, highlighting local businesses, events and community members.
During the Memorial Day Ceremony, retired Col. Mike Petrash honored Moses by dedicating the 2026 Warriors Weekend Field of Honor in his name.
Moses’ legacy can also be seen throughout the city, including a downtown mural capturing his signature smile and spirit.
Recently, the Victoria Generals celebrated “Brother Gary Night,” where Moses threw out the ceremonial first pitch.
“My uncle understood that even the smallest act of kindness could have a lasting impact,” Kristin Moses said. “This will be a chance for all the businesses, organizations and people he helped to give back to him and to one another. Victoria was his whole world, and he loved you all so much.”
She said a public gathering will be held to celebrate Moses’ life and legacy from 3 to 7 p.m. July 29 at the Gary Moses Community Center.
The Moses family has requested privacy for the burial service and asked that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to his favorite charities.
Lindsey Plotkin is a multimedia reporter for the Victoria Advocate. Contact her at lindsey.plotkin@vicad.com.