Gary D Smith

Gary Donald “Pops” Smith passed peacefully into the arms of his Savior on Monday, February 5, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was born on November 5, 1935, in Princeton, Louisiana to Ina Belle Dansby Smith and Joel Humphrey Smith, the 11th of 12 children. He graduated from Pine Tree High School in 1953. He served his country in the United States Army from 1961 to 1964. On May 10, 1963, he married the woman of his dreams, Silvia Kelley Smith, and on March 3, 1965, God blessed them with their “pride and joy,” their son, named after his Dad, Gary Donald Smith Jr.

Pops was employed by Sonoco Products Company for over 20 years. Thereafter, he was employed at Eastman Chemical as a chemical operator, until his retirement on January 1, 1998. After retirement, Gary and Silvia were blessed with many years to enjoy their family,extended family, and many special friends, who made their lives richer. Pops loved trips to Branson, and was an avid domino player, a golfer, and fisherman. Most of all, he loved having fun with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, showing support for them in their activities and accomplishments.

Pops was a member of Calvary Baptist Church for over 60 years, where he served in Royal Ambassadors when his son was a child, followed by service as a listener for the AWANAs program. He was committed to his role as a deacon, in service to Calvary’s members for 50 years. He and Silvia, side by side, were faithful to visit members who were ill or homebound.

He is preceded in death by his wife Silvia Kelley Smith, parents Joel Humphrey Smith and Ina Belle Dansby Smith, brothers, Joe, Glen, Jimmy, Jack and George Smith, sisters, Melba Watkins, Edith Jones, Katherine Gordon, Dorothy Brautigam, Laura Graham, and Gloria Hale.

He is survived by his son, Gary Donald Smith Jr., and his daughter-in-law, Terri Bryant Smith, his loved and adored grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Brittani Milford and husband Cody, their children Bowen and Maybree Jo, Hannah Pitz and husband Cameron, their children Harper and Wylder Creacy, Addison Vazquez and husband Jonathan, and their daughter Eden. He is also survived by his faithful friend of many years, Wilburn Gage.

The family expresses heartfelt thanks for Pops’ caregiver, Trina Canterbery for her outstanding commitment and heartfelt service to him. Buckner Westminster Place was Pops’ home during his final years, and we are grateful to their staff for their service to him.