Gary D. Tollett

ARIZONA CITY - Gary D. Tollett, 86, a longtime area resident who was a friend of rock 'n' roll pioneer Buddy Holly and sang background vocals on his classic hit "That'll Be the Day," died on Dec. 26, 2018.

Mr. Tollett was born on Dec. 13, 1932, in Amherst, Texas, and grew up on a cotton farm, a son of George and Mary Lee Tollett. He loved music from an early age and was a talented singer and musician. He served in the Air Force during the Korean War and took part in many missions over enemy territory. While stationed at Castle Air Force Base near Merced, California, he met the love of his life, Ramona Haynes. They married in 1955 and moved to Lubbock, Texas, where he graduated from Texas Tech University.

In 1957 the couple traveled to Clovis, New Mexico, to Norman Petty's studio to record background vocals for their friend Buddy Holly. The song was a hit and propelled Holly into stardom. He returned the favor by playing guitar on Mr. Tollett's songs that were recorded around the same time. The couple moved to Coolidge in 1959 before settling in Arizona City. He worked for Feeders Grain Company, West Coast Land & Cattle Company, Wilbur-Ellis Co. and Delta & Pine Land Company before retiring in 1998. He was a member of Trinity Southern Baptist Church in Casa Grande for 57 years and a deacon there for 50 years.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years; two daughters, LeAnn Tollett Rickert of Chandler and Donna Krawzak of La Mirada, California; a brother, Leonard Tollett of Lincoln, Nebraska; a sister, Judy Stanley of Littlefield, Texas; and six grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Roger D. Tollett.

Service and visitation beginning at 10 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 7, at Trinity Baptist Church in Casa Grande. Burial in Mountain View Cemetery.

J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel in charge of arrangements.