FORT WORTH, Texas — Gary Fickes, a longtime civic leader and key contributor to the Tarrant County College Foundation, passed away July 10. He was 75.
A memorial gathering took place July 20 in Colleyville.
Appointed to the TCC Foundation board in 2018, he served five years and was dedicated to helping advance education in Northeast Tarrant County. He spearheaded the Foundation’s successful application for the Tarrant To & Through (T3) Grant program, which empowers learners by providing academic, social and financial resources throughout their educational journey.
“Commissioner Fickes brought an energetic spirit of service and dedication to the role of Foundation director,” Chancellor Elva LeBlanc said. “He championed T3 and allocating funds for the two TCC childcare centers. His contributions to our community and his faithful commitment to Tarrant County College will forever enrich those whose lives he touched.”
“Gary Fickes served the county well beyond his work as Precinct 3 commissioner,” said Foundation board President Lydia Guajardo-Rickard. “He served the interests of the county through his service with the Foundation, and his efforts strengthened some of the Foundation’s most impactful programs. We as a group mourn his death but celebrate his leadership.”
Foundation Executive Director Laure O’Neal: “Commissioner Fickes was an admired and dedicated member of the Foundation board. His commitment to serving our students was boundless. He will be missed.”
Fickes’ civic record included 18 years as a member of the Tarrant County Commissioners Court and seven years as Southlake mayor. The Northeast Tarrant County Courthouse carries his name.
Celebrating 60 years of excellence and impact in 2025, Tarrant County College is one of the nation’s largest higher education institutions and boasts the second lowest tuition of Texas’ Top 10 community colleges. A comprehensive community college with six campuses in Tarrant County, TCC offers a range of opportunities for learners of all ages and backgrounds.