Gary Lee Smith, 82, passed away on Oct. 4, 2021. Gary was born March 18, 1939, in Maxwell, Nebraska.
Gary’s claim of, “Now I’ve done it all” has been fulfilled after a lifetime of abundant experiences.
Immediately after graduating high school, he enlisted in the Marines where he operated tanks. After he proudly served his country, his working career began as a surveyor for Lincoln County. After that he dedicated himself to being a rancher north of Mullen, then drove long haul trucks out of Grand Island, and finally retired after working as a carman for the UP Railroad in North Platte.
His greatest passion from youth was racing motorcycles and he was still traveling to watch races this summer.
Gary made many friends during his life and was known for his enjoyment of dancing, party pranks, working hard, his perfectionism, being a jack-of-all trades and always stepping up to help others.
Gary was married three times, first to Patricia McNitt of Maxwell/Mullen, then to Gale Smith of Grand Island, and last to Carol Foust of North Platte. Gary was dedicated to the Smith family; his greatest love was for his three daughters; his grandchildren were his pride and joy.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents Julius Smith and Violet Diehl Smith, and his brother Jack Florendo.
He is survived by his daughters Aprill (JJ) Sherman of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Fawn Smith of Omaha, Nebraska, and Kayte (Edgar) Casillas of Grand Island, Nebraska; also seven grandchildren, Adrian, Isaiah, Jackson, Carter, Gabriella, Myles and Viviana; as well as his siblings Geraldine Terry, Douglas Smith and Mary Adams.
Graveside services were held Wednesday, Oct. 13 at Fort McPherson Cemetery near Maxwell with the Reverend Dr. Douglas Delp officiating.
Memorials to the family will be donated to Great Plains Health Callahan Cancer Center and the Yah Tah Hay Veterans Club.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Carpenter Memorial Chapel in North Platte. Online condolences and sharing of memories may be directed to www.carpentermemorial.com.