Vernon Garrett Smith Jr.
1948 - 2023
Vernon Garrett Smith Jr.
1948 - 2023
Obituary
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BORN
1948
DIED
2023
Vernon Smith Obituary
August 26, 1948 - March 12, 2023
Parrish, Florida - Garry was born in Kansas City, MO to Vernon Sr. and Wanda Dougherty Smith, joining older sister Teresa. The family moved to Lake Alfred, FL in 1954 to join his grandparents.
He attended school there and graduated from Winter Haven Sr. High in 1966. After attending business school he joined the US Air Force in 1969. He served his county proudly for four years in the Military Police, stationed in the US, Guam, and Thailand. He later worked in security at Disney World, for the Florida DOT, and State Farm until his retirement in 2008.
In 1977 he married April Wolff, raising three children during their 45-year marriage; Dr. Rick Schnur, Tressa Smith, and Shannon James (Collin). Grandchildren include Ben, Sarah, and Daniel Schnur, and Rileigh and Aiden James.
He was soft-spoken but steadfast. He cared deeply for the people in his life and supported them in every way. Although it was his good fortune to move to Parrish in 2008, he was especially sentimental about his Lake Alfred friends, schoolmates, and teammates.
Garry will be interred at Sarasota National Cemetery on June 16th at 10 am. All are welcome.
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1 Entry
Donald "Bruce"Robinson
June 12, 2023
Gary was always the finest example of a human being anyone could meet. As a Boy Scout troop 154 leader for Lake Alfred Florida or as a starting tackle on the gridiron Gary always gave his best. Gary´s service to country and his love for his family clearly demonstrated his integrity and goodness. Gary will be remembered and missed by anyone who had the good fortune to know him.
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