Photo courtesy of Carpenter Memorial Chapel - North Platte
North Platte, Nebraska
Mar 18, 1939 – Oct 4, 2021 (Age 82)
Gary Lee Smith 82, passed away on October 4, 2021. Gary was born March 18, 1939, in Maxwell, NE.
Gary's claim of "Now I've done it all" has been fulfilled after a lifetime of abundant experiences. Immediately after graduating high school, he enlisted in the Marines where he operated tanks. After he proudly served his country, his working career began as a surveyor for Lincoln County. After that, he dedicated himself to being a rancher North of Mullen, then drove long-haul trucks out of Grand Island, and finally retired after working as a carman for the UP railroad in North Platte. His greatest passion from youth was racing motorcycles and he was still traveling to watch races this summer. Gary made many friends during his life and was known for his enjoyment of dancing, party pranks, working hard, his perfectionism, being a jack-of-all trades, and always stepping up to help others.
Gary was married three times, first to Patricia McNitt of Maxwell/Mullen, then to Gale Smith of Grand Island, and last to Carol Foust of North Platte. Gary was dedicated to the Smith Family; his greatest love was for his three daughters; his grandchildren were his pride and joy.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents Julius Smith and Violet Diehl Smith, and his brother Jack Florendo. He is survived by his daughters Aprill (JJ) Sherman of Coeur d'Alene Idaho, Fawn Smith of Omaha Nebraska, and Kayte (Edgar) Casillas of Grand Island Nebraska; also 7 grandchildren, Adrian, Isaiah, Jackson, Carter, Gabriella, Myles and Viviana; as well as his siblings Geraldine Terry, Douglas Smith, and Mary Adams.
Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, October 13, 2021, at 11 a.m. at Fort McPherson Cemetery near Maxwell with the Reverend Dr. Douglas Delp officiating. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 12th from 1-7 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 5-7 p.m. at Carpenter Memorial Chapel. A reception gathering for friends and family will follow the services at the First United Methodist Church.
Memorials to the family will be donated to Great Plains Health Callahan Cancer Center and the Yah Tah Hay Veterans Club. Arrangements have been entrusted to Carpenter Memorial Chapel in North Platte. Online condolences and sharing of memories may be directed to www.carpentermemorial.com
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Rest in peace, dear friend, you'll be greatly missed by many!!❤
Tom & Nancy Hopping-Rivera
October 11, 2021 | North Platte, NE | Friend
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Jim and Doris Seaton
October 10, 2021
My heartfelt condolences to the Smith Family. I remember him but he was older than me so didn't hang out with his group in school. I would help out in the kitchen at school so knew Violet Smith and she was a lot of fun. Doug and I graduated from the same class. Rest in peace Gary.
SUSAN MCCAIG ENOS
October 10, 2021
I'm sorry for your loss. He was funny.
Karen Hughbanks
October 08, 2021
I want to express my sympathy to all the family of Gary . My husband Alan and Gary were good friends and I know they are together again . By his obituary, it sounds like Gary was a fun guy. I am sure you will miss him, but know he is no longer in pain and is at rest.
JoAnn Rosse
October 08, 2021 | Friend
Thanks for the memories Gary. You showed us how to live life to the fullest ❤ You will be missed. Our thoughts are with your family. Joe and Jody Foust
Joe and Jody Foust
October 06, 2021 | North Platte, NE | Friend