Gary Chamblee

Gary Thomas Chamblee, 83, of Fort Smith, Arkansas, passed away in the comfort of his home on August 13, 2023. Gary was born August 19, 1939, in Ward, Arkansas to Herman and Lady Byron Chamblee. Gary graduated from Fort Smith Senior High and joined the Navy in the late 1950's where he served on the USS Independence in the Mediterranean Sea. After his service, he came back to Fort Smith where he was the keyboardist and singer in a band called Mushroom Alley, and then became a Master Piano Technician for more than 40 years.
Gary was the family photographer, who specialized in candid shots of his favorite subjects. He enjoyed road trips with his family, and hosting Christmas Eve parties for friends and family. He enjoyed summertime the most, as one of his favorite things was to host Father's Day and his birthday BBQs in the backyard with the amazing pool that he meticulously built rock by rock for his family.
Gary was preceded in death by his wife, Pamela Chamblee, parents, Herman, and Lady Byron Chamblee, as well as his daughters Kim and Lori. He is survived by his daughters Dallena Yager of Barling, Arkansas; Lisa Chamblee of Fort Smith, Arkansas; Renee Batara and her husband Adrian of Fayetteville, Arkansas; brother Glen Weston Chamblee of Fort Smith; as well as 10 grandchildren, Valerie Fankhouser and husband, Shea, Nathan Batara, Gavin Batara, Patrick Batara, Amanda Cross and husband Robert, Wesley Means, Jamielea Means, Eric Means, Smantha Watson and husband Yeshua, and Brianda Yager. He also has 10 great grandchildren, Colton, Aubreigh, Caiden, Kiran, Oliver, Summer, Keaden, Aiden, Ava, and Adriana.
The family will greet friends from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm Sunday, August 20, 2023, at Lewis Funeral Chapel. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 am Monday, August 21, 2023, at the U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Smith. The funeral reception will be held at Saint Anne's Hall, next to Immaculate Conception Church. The pallbearers will be Adrian Batara, Nathan Batara, Camden Chamblee, Greg Chamblee, Shea Fankhouser, and Brandon Gregory.
Memorial contributions may be made to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. PO Box 1866, Fort Smith, AR 72901.