I first met Gary around the spring of 2006, when we started becoming friends with Barb and Lori. Lori had worked as a private contractor for the juvenile court for about 4 years, teaching Aggression Replacement Training (ART). Valerie and I had been invited to a Texas Hold-Em, held in the basement of their home. Barb and Lori invited us to play. Our 12 year old daughter, Elissa, asked if she play. I called Barb and she said that if Elissa could afford the $20 buy-in, she could play. When we arrived there were 3 tables and I was seated at the table with Gary. I immediately liked him, and found him easy going, very personable, and just a "nice guy." By the end of the evening, the 3 tables had combined to 1 (the Final Table), with 3 players left, Gary, Elissa, and a third (unknown) person. When the "Flop" came out with a King/King/5, Gary made a bet. Elissa countered with a big raise. Gary looked at Elissa and said, "You don't have the other 2 Kings," and re-raised the hand. Elissa looked at Gary, looked at her cards and said, "Yes, I do," as she re-raised Gary. Gary then looked at his cards, looked at Elisaa, and looked at me and discreetly gave me a wink, as he folded this monster hand. I immediately found this to be a warm gesture to fold to a 12 year old girl. Ans much to our surprise, Elissa flipped over the other 2 Kings, which she was holding in her hand. Wow, a four0 of a kind! Maybe that wink to meant, "Oh man, I got my butt kicked by a 12 year old girl." It doesn't matter, Gary treated Elissa kind, and they had a special bond ever since that night- in fact, he started calling Elissa "sis" whenever he saw her. The other positive attributes that stand put about Gary, are twofold- First, is his love for his family. Gary loved his wife, kids, and grandkids. You could see it in his eye, you could hear it in his voice, and even more important, you could see it in his actions. I loved that way he would call Barb, Lori, Jessica, Hailey and Carter, "sis." It wasn't just the way he called them, "sis," it was the tone he would use that would convey love and caring. The second attribute, was the way he would talk to me (and everyone else he came into contact with). Gary would talk to me with a twinkle in his eye and in his voice that conveyed that he cared about me, and was fully "present" when we were talking. It is my pleasure to write these memories of Gary for his posterity, because they certainly should not only remember his love, they should emulate it as well.
—Gary Smith
Lori, We always appreciated your dad's support and encouragement he gave Marcus and all the other boys on the AAU basketball team during the 4-5 years they played together. I am he touched so many other lives throughout his life and he will be greatly missed.
—Delia Garcia
When I think of Gary, I think of your recent wedding celebration, Barb and Lori. I think of the love your dad beamed for you and the healing words he spoke.
—Jackie Frazier
We are finding it hard to believe Gary has passed. Boy, did he leave many good memories with so many people. Who will ever forget his voice, his laugh, and his humor, or the love and support he had for his family. He was larger than life. You were lucky to have him for your dad. Sure there were ups and downs, but remember all the good times. We will all miss him and he won't be forgotten.
—Bob & Jan Wesh
Gary and I worked together for awhile and in the same as areas for years, however, if you went someplace with Lift he rarely new where he was going and would get busy talking and drive by the exit or turn, then he would smack you for letting him do it. He called it a cuffing. I will tell you that I could get pretty sore by the end of a short trip. I love him and miss him. A great friend to me.
—J D Turner
Gary shared his talents and time with so many. I think there were times he kept us all hopping to encourage young people and share his passion helping others. We cherish our memories with your family.
—Jack & Jeanne Davison