Gary Lewis Smith

Gary Lewis Smith, born on July 8, 1955 in Hammond, Louisiana, passed away on Friday, July 9, 2021, at Hammond Nursing Home. He was 66 years old. Gary laughingly called himself a "Corporate Vagabond," working throughout the years as CFO, Controller, and all-around numbers guy for Rentals Service Corp., Pinnacle Solid Surfaces, Great Hearts Academy …, and, finally, opening his own bookkeeping firm to complete his career. Gary was a member of Theta Xi Fraternity during his years at Southeastern Louisiana University. In his adopted home of Scottsdale, Arizona, he belonged to the Scottsdale Baptist Church, and he was heavily involved as a volunteer with the Theater Department of Scottsdale Christian Academy, where he often was called upon to take the lead in building props and even entire sets for their productions. Gary is survived by his son, Henry Lewis Smith, II (Autumn Elizabeth Lowery), of Kennesaw, Georgia, whom he shared with former wife, Karen Pittman Alexander; stepdaughter, Erica Kay Stoney, of Chicago, whom he raised as his own with former wife, Julie Stoney; granddaughter, Jenny Lynn Maszk; twin brother, Michael L. Smith (Susan Barrett Smith), of New Orleans; sister, Amanda Smith Short (Kelsey Short), of Baton Rouge. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joan Garon Smith and H. Lewis Smith, Lt. Col., USAF (Ret.), of Hammond. Our family is most grateful to the entire staff of Hammond Nursing Home, where Gary spent his final two years of life, as well as to New Century Hospice, whose nurse and chaplain made his last few weeks more comfortable. Their care and kindness were extraordinary. Family and friends will be received on Thursday, July 15, 2021 from 3:00 pm until 5:00 pm at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, 2000 N. Morrison Blvd., Hammond, Louisiana. A Celebration of Gary's life will begin at 5:00 pm in the funeral home chapel. Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association https://www.alz.org Gary's guest book is available at www.harrymckneely.com.