Gary E. Smith

Family will receive friends on Saturday, December 27, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. until time of service at 2:00 p.m. at Living Faith Apostolic Faith, 2177 Mock Road, Columbus, OH 43219

Gary Eugene Smith was born on March 12, 1960, in Salisbury, Maryland, to Francis Corbin Smith and Rawna Smith. He was the third of five children: Debbie, Rawna Jr., Anthony, and Kevin.

Gary attended James M. Bennett High School, where he excelled as a track star and graduated in 1978. Though offered a scholarship from the University of Maryland, he chose to follow his path to Ohio, where his life would take its most meaningful turn-meeting the love of his life, Connie Denise Jackson.

On December 25, 1981, Gary married Connie, and their Christmas Day union became the foundation of a beautiful family legacy. Together they raised three children: Garren, Cordell, and Corinne. As God would have it, their family circle expanded to embrace Dashawn and Arliyah, and Gary loved them all with the same devoted heart.

Gary dedicated over two decades to Kroger's bakery factory before taking early retirement, always ensuring his family was provided for. But his greatest commitment was to his faith. Deacon Gary was baptized and dedicated his life to God at Living Faith Apostolic Church under the pastorate of Bishop Edgar Posey. For years, he served faithfully as a deacon and in the Men's auxiliary, quietly living his faith through service and steadfast devotion.

Those who knew Gary knew him as a man of remarkable character-the embodiment of calm, peacefulness, and joy. He was a true provider who always found solutions for his family, no matter the challenge. He was the steady hand, the gentle voice, the calmness in every storm.

Gary's greatest joy was his family. He treasured every moment traveling with his beloved wife Connie, exploring new places and creating memories that would last a lifetime. He was his children's and grandchildren's biggest fan, never missing an opportunity to cheer them on at sporting events and celebrate their achievements. His presence in the stands-steady, proud, encouraging-was a gift his family will forever hold dear.

Gary was preceded in death by his father, Rawna Smith, and his beloved wife, Connie Denise Jackson Smith.

Left to cherish his memory are: his children, Garren (Adrianna), Cordell (Brittney), Corinne, Dashawn, and Arliyah Smith; his mother, Francis Smith; his brothers, Rawna (Gloria) Smith Jr., Anthony (Jeanette) Smith, and Kevin (Elva) Smith, all of Maryland; his sister, Debbie Derrickson of California; brothers-in-law, Maurice and Malcolm Jackson of Columbus; goddaughter, Javean Douglas; grandchildren, Urijah, Zavier, Khairo, Elijah, Aamira, and Jerimiah Smith; nieces and nephews, April Garrett, Brian, Chris, Kevin Jr, Quincy, and Kayla Smith, Jasmine (Brandon) and Nova Horsey, Keisha, Kareem, Samuel, Monica, Dominic, Mariah, Malcolm Jr., and Candice Jackson; Bishop and First Lady Edgar Posey, the Living Faith Apostolic Church family, and countless friends and loved ones whose lives he touched with his gentle spirit.

Gary Eugene Smith lived a life of quiet strength, unwavering faith, and boundless love. His legacy is not measured in words but in the hearts he nurtured, the faith he exemplified, and the peace he brought to all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.