Visitation for Greg will be held at Hillier Funeral Home in Bryan on Thursday, February 21st from 5-8 p.m. Funeral services will take place at Central Baptist Church, 1991 FM 158, College Station on Friday, February 22nd at 10 a.m.

Greg was born Gregory Wade Pickard on February 4, 1959 in Guymon, Oklahoma. He was the second of four children born to Robert and Carla Pickard.

Robert was a ranch manager for most of Greg’s youth. Because of this, Greg quickly developed a love for the outdoors and animals, especially horses. Eventually, they ended up in Italy, Texas where the family decided to put down roots.

He was blessed to find Susie, the love of his life, at the age of 17. From that day on, the two were inseparable. After a four-year courtship, they were wed on June 21st, 1980 in Italy. Soon after, they moved to College Station, where they both attended Texas A&M University. While Susie pursued a career in education, Greg soon realized his true passion was firefighting, when he joined the Bryan Fire Department in 1980.

Greg and Susie welcomed their first child, Robin Blair, in March 1983. Greg loved being a dad and took to it right away. Any time he wasn’t at the fire station was spent at home with his family. Robin was definitely a Daddy’s girl, and he was so proud of the mother she became. In 1987, Greg was thrilled to welcome his son, Jacob Wade, born on the 4th of July. Jake adored his Dad and wanted to be just like him. He was often heard saying, “I want to be a fireman-baseball player-lawnmower man when I grow up.” Later on, Greg was so proud to have the honor of pinning his son when he was inducted into the College Station Fire Department.

Greg had such a passion for life, and knew how to get the most out of every day. Summers with the family were spent traveling in the RV, which was what he loved doing most. He also developed a passion for golfing and passed it on to the entire family. If you couldn’t find him, you knew he’d be in the backyard chipping balls. He knew the value of hard work, but always remembered to have fun too.

Greg devoted his life to serving others. If someone was in need, Greg was never far away. He exemplified what it meant to be a good son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend. Those he leaves behind aspire to make him proud and live up to the extraordinary example that he set for us.

Greg was a member of the congregation at Calvary Baptist for 25 years.

In his career as a firefighter, he was a former member of the Texas Task Force 1, an original member of the Bryan Fire Department Rescue Team, and became Bryan Fire Department USAR team manager. His leadership after the Texas A&M University Bonfire collapse as rescue division commander was exceptional. His grace under pressure helped keep others focused on the difficult task before them. He progressed through the ranks to become Battalion Chief from 1999 to 2005 before choosing to step back to Lieutenant to finish out his career. Greg also was an EMT and had his advanced Firefighter certificate and was instrumental in establishing many of the Bryan Fire Department firefighting operations. He served as a mentor to many throughout his 32 years of service.

Greg is survived by Susan, his devoted wife of 32 years; son, Jacob; daughter, Robin and husband, Michael Carpenter and three grandchildren, Caroline, Wade and Catherine.

He is also survived by his proud parents, Robert and Carla Pickard of Italy, Texas; brother, Barry Pickard and wife, Kristy of Maypearl; sister, Natalie Beck and husband, Gerald also of Maypearl; sister, Sharla Cleaver and husband, Alan of Waxahachie and numerous nieces and nephews.

Please share memories and tributes to Greg at www.hillierfuneralhome.com.

Gregory W. Pickard, 54, was one of two firefighters who died in the line of service this weekend in Bryan, Texas.