Gary Richard Smith

Gary was born in Illinois, in October of 1943. He had fond memories of his youth in Freeport and moved as a young teen to Leadville, Colorado with his family, where he graduated from Leadville High School. After graduation he attended CSU while practicing the fine art of being a ski bum. While attending a “woodsy” in the fall of ’64, he met the light of his life, Betty Lou, and in May of 1965 they were wed when they eloped and tied the knot in Cheyenne, Wyoming. In 1978, he moved with his wife and two children to Chandler, in the hopes of a better life and to be closer to his side of the family. As an avid sportsman and outdoorsman, he supported his love of camping and hunting and fishing, and love of his family with 25 years in the sporting goods industry. After leaving sporting goods and bored, he went to work for a local school district…where Betty worked. He became a building manager and stayed until he retired in 2018. He worked hard his entire life, loved his soulmate Betty Lou immensely, taught his children right from wrong and gave them a work ethic. He is survived by his two sons, Josh and Toby; his siblings, David, Pam, and Julie. He has gone to see his wife for Valentine’s Day and will see us all in time with a joyful smile and a firm handshake.

A reception for Gary will be held Thursday, February 27, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Valley of the Sun Mortuary, 10940 East Chandler Heights Rd, Chandler, AZ 85248. Following the reception will be a graveside service from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM at External Service Location, 10940 E Chandler Heights Rd, Chandler, AZ 85249.