Smith, Gary E.

Passed away on Saturday, June 29^th, 2024.

Beloved husband of Patricia A. Smith (nee Bynum); devoted father of Michelle (Bill) Hamilton and Kimberley (Trevor Pert) Bynum-Smith; adoring grandfather of Jordan Hamilton, Dylan Pert-Smith, and Harrison Van Pert; cherished son of the late Mildred (nee Schreiner) and Elmer Smith; loving brother of Karen (Rodney) Wofford and the late Robert Smith; dear son-in-law of the late Rudell and Nelda Bynum; dear brother-in-law of Kathy (Paul) Andersen; our dear uncle, great uncle, cousin, and friend.

Gary E. Smith was born on March 4, 1946. He grew up in south St. Louis city. He enjoyed a happy childhood as the youngest of three children and spoke fondly of all of the trips that his father took him and his siblings on when they were growing up.  His favorite trip was New York City. Gary enjoyed drawing and playing all kinds of sports as a boy, especially baseball.  He shared a close relationship with his grandfather, who took him to Cardinals baseball games.

When Gary was fourteen years old, his father’s job transferred the family to Palestine, Texas.  Gary attended high school in Palestine, where he took up golf and loved listening to the Beach Boys. After high school, Gary enlisted in the United States Navy.  He served for four years and was stationed in Alameda, CA, San Diego, CA, Corpus Christi, TX, Charleston, SC. After his service, Gary moved back to St. Louis where he worked in the accounting department for a truck line and then for Missouri Pacific Railroad. Gary enrolled at St. Louis Community College- Meramec, majoring in art and then business.

In 1974, a friend and co-worker introduced him to Patricia Bynum, who also worked at Missouri Pacific. A month later, they were engaged.  They married in January 1975 and their first daughter, Michelle, was born in 1976 followed by their second daughter, Kimberley, in 1980. Gary enjoyed playing golf with his friends from work on the weekends, spending time with his family, and traveling. His favorite place was Hawaii. He welcomed his first grandson, Dylan, in 1998, his second grandson, Harrison, in 2005, and his third grandson, Jordan, in 2010.  Gary retired from Union Pacific Railroad in 2004 and spent his retirement taking care of his grandsons. He never missed one of their school events, sports games, or band concerts.  Gary was absolutely devoted to his grandsons and enjoyed shopping for presents for them. In his retirement, Gary was also able to watch his favorite TV show, Jeopardy, and go out to dinners, movies, and concerts with friends.

Gary was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia in 2021. He put up the strongest fight and never gave up until the Lord came to finally take him home on June 29, 2024. Gary’s friends and family will most remember his dry sense of humor, his history knowledge, his love of sports, his passion for jazz and oldies music-especially his singing along to every song in the car while tapping his legs with his hands, and the pleasure he received from nice clothes and good cocktails-particularly bloody marys and martinis. Gary’s lifelong desire was to be a “beach bum” and if there is a heaven, Gary is surely on a beach with a drink in his hand.

In lieu of flowers, contributions made to The Lewy Body Dementia Association are greatly appreciated.

SERVICES: Funeral will be held at KUTIS AFFTON CHAPEL (10151 Gravois Rd 63123) on Tuesday, July 9^th at 9:30 AM. Interment at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. Visitation on Monday from 4:00 – 8:00 PM.