Gary Wayne Smith

Gary Wayne Smith, 71, passed away at his home in Baird, Texas, on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. A memorial service will be held at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home in Abilene, with burial to follow at Elmwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 6:00 - 8:00 pm Tuesday at the funeral home.

Gary was born December 19, 1952, in Weatherford, Texas to Ronald Eugene and Juanita Smith. The family moved to Abilene shortly thereafter, before Gene and Nita had their three other children, Jeanette, Peggy, and Ronald (Bugsy). Gary attended school in Abilene at Anson Jones Elementary, Mann Junior High, and Abilene High School. He still had friends he kept in contact with that went to school with him from day one.

He began working in the oil fields with his father even during the summers in high school, and continued after graduation. Shortly after finishing high school, he met Lavada “Ann” Stewart, the love of his life. They married on April 5, 1975, in Abilene. Nine months and two weeks later, they were blessed with their first child Elizabeth Ann in January 1976. Just over 17 months later, their second blessing Traci Nicole was born in July 1977.

Gary and Ann took the Civil Service exam and both got on with the US Post Office in March of 1978, in Midland, Texas, transferring back home to Abilene in 1979. Gary continued working in the Postal Service until his last day with us. Not long after making their home in Abilene’s south side, their third blessing Amanda Kay was born in March 1980. Gary loved Ann and his girls more than the world, and lived his whole life for them.

He served as the treasurer for the APWU for many years during his time with the USPS. The position gave his family the opportunity to travel each summer across the state during his convention weeks. He stayed active as a body builder throughout 1980s, and always played on one or two (or sometimes three!) slow pitch softball teams in the community even into his 40s.

Gary was a huge Dallas Cowboys fan his whole life. He subscribed to Cowboys Weekly, bought the calendars, and recorded every game. More than that, he was a fan of his grandchildren. He would attend their games from their basketball, soccer, and softball games at age 3 through to even his last week, trying to catch any practices he could make.

The love and pride he had for his grandchildren was felt by every other child that was around them. So many others considered him family, and he loved them all just the same. That caring and compassion was felt by everyone he knew: at work, with family, and every stranger he encountered.

Gary is survived by his wife, Ann Smith; his three daughters Elizabeth Smith of Baird, Traci and husband Jeff Doty of Atlanta, Georgia, and Amanda Smith of Clyde; and six grandchildren Dacey and Paisley Tucker, Wesley Smith, Seth and Kenzi Doty, and his youngest princess Charlee Ember.

For those wanting to send flowers for the service, the family suggests live flowers/plants that they can take home.