Gary Smith

Gary Smith, 86, passed away September 16, 2024, in Dalton, GA. Born March 16, 1938 in Scranton, PA, son of Howard Smith and Mary Smith.

Gary graduated from Coolbaugh Township Consolidated School in 1957. He started his career as a Surveyor and went on to work over 6 decades. Some of the projects he worked on included Scope Arena in Norfolk Va, Allied Chemical Plant in Hopewell Va, and the Nabisco Plant in Richmond Va.

Gary married Isabel Cadue on 8 February 1958 in East Stroudsburg, PA. The couple would parent two sons and a daughter.

Gary was best known for his love of the outdoors, hiking and biking. He enjoyed hiking with family and friends. In recent years, he spent a great deal of time in Cherokee National Forest, often going up in to the mountains to park and take time to read while he was among the beauty of the mountains. Gary loved music especially Bluegrass; he often said it was because it helped him feel emotions. Other hobbies included playing chess and rummy. He took pride and joy in tending his blueberry bushes, roses, and sunflowers. He enjoyed watching golf, football, and basketball during March Madness. His favorite show was "Gunsmoke," and watched reruns daily. His sense of humor was one of quick wit, usually when you least expected it.

Gary is survived by Gary Smith II (Lisa) - son of Estes Park, CO and Renee Prows (Brad) - daughter of Fayetteville NC. Grandchildren: Gary, Phillip, Jennifer, Jeremiah, and Ashley. Great Grandchildren: Jacob, Carson, Jackson, Raylan, and Julia Anna. Sister Alice and Niece Fern.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; the mother of his children and former wife Isabel Cadue Smith, and their son Ross Smith.

Donations are requested to be made in Gary's memory to Samaritan's Purse for helping those devastated by the flooding in North Carolina Mountains

As per Gary's request, no funeral or memorial service will be held.

The Staff of Companion Funeral Home, and the Cody family, are honored to serve the Smith family.