Broken Arrow High School

William Garringer

Gina died on October 4, 2001 in a vehicle accident.

Tragically, she left behind her two young sons, who will grow up not knowing or having their Mother.

I first met Gina when she began carhopping at the Sonic Drive-In on North Elm (now closed). I was one of the cooks in the back, making onion rings and cheeseburgers. She and I began dating and we were a couple for over 19 months. While she could have a temper at times, she was a wonderful person and a good friend.

We went astray for a while and dropped out of school for a semester. Realizing that we needed to graduate from high school, we both reenrolled. I elected to stay behind a grade and graduate with her. It appeared our futures were set. I decided to enlist in the Air Force, since college was not a viable pursuit at the time - that was the beginning of the end. It seemed that joining the military and moving from base-to-base was something that did not set well with her. I guess her desire to stay in Oklahoma, near family, was stronger than wanting to follow me and my career around the world.

Sometimes small decisions have great impacts. Two weeks after Gina and I broke up, I met Deborah Starr and we had a whirlwind engagement and marriage. She and I have been together for 19 years now and she is my best friend. We have been tremendously blessed in our marriage and have two wonderful children.

My heart goes out to Gina's family, I wish them the very best in life.

Most Sincerely,

William