Roll Call Tribute

Otie C. "Carl" Luna 

September 20, 1936 - October 23, 2024 

Carl Luna went home to the Lord on October 23, 2024. He was 88. Carl was born on September 20, 1936 to Mary Lou and Lloyd Garnette Luna. He leaves behind a legacy of committed perseverance, good-natured humor, and a steadfast faith for his adoring family and his literally hundreds of admiring friends. Carl began his education in GISD and graduated from Garland High School before attending Texas A&M University and Baylor School of Law. At Texas A&M, Carl proved himself to be a standout on the championship Aggie football teams in the late 1950s, where he played under the legendary Coach “Bear” Bryant.

Returning to Garland after graduation from law school, Carl established a prominent law practice. He also founded, owned, and operated several successful real estate title companies that provided exemplary client service and that also employed, nurtured, and mentored scores of real estate professionals. Many of these credit Carl for giving them their start in the real estate industry. Carl was most proud of being able to work with his family in the title business.

In 1960, Carl married Sue Nell Greer, the love of his life, whom he early placed on a pedestal and never took her down. Not long before Carl’s death, he and Sue celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary. They raised three children, Carla, Scott, and Lance, all of whom have established successful careers for themselves. Both he and Sue engaged fully in parenting and never missed any of the kids’ activities, whether it be a drill team performance, a golf tournament, or a choir performance. He was present at all of these events with great enthusiasm.

Anyone who knew Carl for even a short period of time knew that his life was centered around his family. He cherished his family over everything else. He found pure joy in fatherhood, grandfather-hood, and great-grandfather-hood. Of all his accomplishments, being Dad, “Papa C” and “Bubba” to his three children, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren was the most meaningful.

Carl’s accomplishments are many and are too numerous to list here. Of particular note was Carl’s service as President of the Garland Chamber of Commerce, as Chair of the City of Garland Parks and Recreation Board, Chairman of Century Bank & Trust Board of Directors, and recognition by the State Bar of Texas for 50 years of service pursuing justice and advocating for his clients. Carl was especially proud of being inducted into the Garland Sports Hall of Fame.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents and by three of his siblings, Lloyd Luna, Nelda Gentsch, and Glenda Black. He was survived by his wife, Sue; his children and daughters-in-law, Carla, Scott and Rene’, and Lance and Jody; his grandchildren, Alex, Collin, Max, Honor, and Ross; his great- grandsons, Liam and August, his sister, Anita Jordan; and numerous nieces and nephews from both his and Sue’s sides of their families.

A celebration of Carl’s life will be held on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at 2:00pm in the chapel of Williams Funeral Directors of Garland, with an hour for visiting starting at 1:00. Visitation will occur on Monday, October 28, 2024 from 5:00-7:00pm at Williams Funeral Directors; guests are encouraged to wear maroon as tribute to everyone’s favorite Aggie football player. If anyone would like to make a charitable donation in Carl's name, please consider the Carl Luna Legacy Scholarship with GISD.