Gary Lee Highsmith

Gary Lee Highsmith (70), born on November 7, 1954, in Washington, D.C., was called to his eternal home on September 27, 2025, after a courageous battle with brain cancer. He is survived by his loving family, including his daughters, Courtney (Kenny Mazzone) and Katelynn (Joseph Wilson) Highsmith; his grandchildren, Harrison, Brooks, and Kendall; his partner, Mary Whitney; his brother, Glenn (Terry) Highsmith; and his sister, Alice (Paul) Lentz. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Horace and Betty Highsmith, and his son, Brian Michael Highsmith.

Gary Lee grew up in New Carrollton, MD where he spent a joyful and loving childhood surrounded by family and lifelong friends. As a child, Gary was best known for his wickedly unpredictable sense of humor and practical jokes. He was a natural athlete that enjoyed many sports, especially football. Gary had an incredible work ethic and was extremely driven. He truly believed that if you were going to do something, you should do it right. He graduated from Parkdale High School and then the University of Maryland before becoming a licensed trader on the New York Stock Exchange and securities broker. Prior to this, Gary had a myriad of jobs — including nuclear plant worker, butcher, and trash collector. Of all his different jobs, Gary’s favorite was his partnership in Apollo Ice, because he also truly believed that “warm beer sucks.” Gary was a devoted father who passed along his sense of humor and joking nature. He attended countless sporting events, learned how to style his daughters’ hair and taught all three children a love of films, which they still quote to this day. While Gary undoubtedly lived for his children, his grandchildren were the greatest joy of his life. He made time to see or talk to them everyday. Gary also shared a love of history with his family and even collected some (or many) antiques. His intelligence and passion for learning never ceased. He read his entire life to educate himself, and those around him. Gary had incredible taste in food and restaurants and always knew the best places for a quality meal.

Gary was deeply respected for his boundless generosity toward all who had the privilege of knowing him. His life was a testament of love, compassion, and unwavering selflessness and his passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of many. We ask that you remember Gary not only for how he left this world, but for how he lived—with steadfast devotion to his faith, family, and friends—and for the lasting impact he had on those whose lives he touched.