Gary Smith

Mr. Gary William Smith, age 72, of Bel Air, Maryland, passed away peacefully at his home on April 2, 2025.

-He was born on January 12, 1953, in Baltimore, MD, to the late Kenneth Melvin Smith, Sr. and the late Bernice Hart Smith. Stepson of the late Ellen Smith.

-Gary was a 1971 graduate of Bel Air Senior High School and 1975 graduate of Paul Smith's College of Forestry.

-During Gary's lifetime he worked for his father at South End Esso (Aberdeen) and Churchville Exxon gas stations, Churchville Construction, Rocks & Susquehanna State Parks as Naturalist and Park Ranger. In 1980 he joined the Harford County Sheriff's Department, where he worked as a deputy, member of the SWAT team, member of the the Dive team, DARE instructor, and set up the first July 4th Bicycle Rodeo. After serving 15 years with the Sheriff's Department, Gary retired and drove a tractor trailer along the East Coast for many years.

-Gary was a member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Churchville. He was Cub Master of Cub Scouts Pack 808 and Scout Master of Boy Scouts Troop 952 when his sons were growing up. Gary also coached boys soccer and baseball. He loved bicycle riding and participated and supported bicycle racing, including several Cycle Across Maryland races.

-Gary was a true genuine soul, who brought such a light and happiness with him when he entered a room. If Gary could pass on any wisdom or advice it would be to always lend a helping hand to those around you. He was loved by all who knew him and will be greatly missed.

-Left to cherish his memory are:

His sons and grandchildren,

Zachary Smith, (Jennifer), Nick, Sean, Sydney, and Dylan.

Nathan Smith, (Katie), Hunter, Tucker, and Gunner.

Great-uncle, Craig Hart.

Brothers: Kenneth Smith, (Mary), Jeffrey Smith, (Nancy), Timothy Smith, (Kathy).

Step-sister, Laurie Morris-Ballantyne. And numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his sister, Deborah Susan Smith.

Also survived by his first wife and mother of his sons, Ranae Robinson; his second wife, Carol Washburn and stepchildren Taylor Stocki, and Kim Webster (Arthur), and step grandchildren Claire and Libby. As well as Gary's girlfriend, Sophie Watts, with whom he resided.

-A funeral service will be held at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 2929 Level Rd, Churchville, MD 21028, on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 2:00pm. A Celebration of Life will be held on May 24, 2025, from 02:00 PM to 05:00 PM at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church 2929 Level Rd