Gary Don Smith

Gary Don Smith, passed away on 12/19/2019 at Community Hospice in Mandarin. He was born on 10/11/1945 in Gadsden, AL to J.L. Smith and Annie Jo Smith. Both predeceased him. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; son, Michael; granddaughter, Shaelyn; 2 sisters, Glenda Kohlenberger and Debbie VanDerveen; and brother, Phil (Tina) Smith.

Gary attended Terry Parker High School and then joined the Army. After the Army he joined the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office in 1972 as a Correctional Officer. When the next Patrol Officers class started, he was in it.

While on the street he was a Training Officer and received multiple commendations. He made Sergeant and was also a trainer for them. During his last few years at work, he was a Sergeant for the Court Bailiffs.

In his off duty time he was a member of Moose Lodge 42 and was elected Governor there on 5 different occasions. He was also a member of the American Legion, Post 283. When we moved to Mandarin he transferred to Post 88.

Gary loved the JSO and being a Police Officer.

A Visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 am on Thursday, December 26, 2019 followed by the Funeral Service at 11:00 am at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32223. The Burial will take place following the Service at Mandarin Cemetery, Mandarin Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32223.