Obituary
Obituary
Gary Raymond Smith
August 31, 1941- May 13, 2020
Gary Raymond Smith, 78, of Lakeland, Florida, went to his eternal home on May 13, 2020 with his
beloved wife of 57 years, Shirley, by his side.
Gary served on both the USS Surfbird, a degaussing ship, and the USS Tullibee, submarine, during his US
Naval Service, 1960 to 1966. He retired as the unit administrator, Staff Sergeant, of Company C, 429 th
Forward Support Battalion, 29 th Infantry Division, during his service in the US Army National Guard, 1983
to 2001.
Gary loved to cook and owned several restaurants in Virginia. He retired to Lakeland, FL in 2002 where
he served his Lord Jesus Christ in fellowship with the brethren. He served others through Comfort
Keepers, Talbot House, Light House and the Cypress Lakes Veterans Association.
Gary and Shirley enjoyed the friendship of many. He was able to hear words of love and encouragement
from his children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends up until the day of his homegoing for
which we were most thankful.
Gary is survived by his wife, Shirley; daughter, Terry Tussing (Mark Tussing) and son, Darren Smith of
Gordonsville, VA, and daughter, JoAnna Collins (Jonathan Collins) of Orange, VA; nine grandchildren and
four great grandchildren; brother, Samuel Smith (Geraldine Smith) of Emporium, PA; and many family
and friends. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Eulala Smith, sister, Joan Lyon and
great granddaughter Kinzley Collins.
A celebration of life memorial will be held in the upcoming months when our assembly will be less
restricted at Bethel Baptist Church in Socrum, Lakeland. Gary will be laid at rest in the Culpeper National
Cemetery in Virginia with full military honors in the near future.
14711 Bentley Square
Centreville, VA 20120
By Bessie Anderson Stanley
That man is a success –
who has lived well, laughed often and loved much;
who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of children;
who has filled his niche and accomplished his task;
who leaves the world better than he found it;
who has never lacked appreciation of earth’s beauty or failed to express it.;
who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had.
~Forever in my heart. Love you always Uncle Gary~
who has lived well, laughed often and loved much;
who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of children;
who has filled his niche and accomplished his task;
who leaves the world better than he found it;
who has never lacked appreciation of earth’s beauty or failed to express it.;
who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had.
~This describes by Uncle Gary perfectly. I will miss him very much ... till we meet again.
Credit: Bessie Anderson Stanley
-Always your Smittyball
Mom and dad
Army National Guard
Navy