Gary B. Smith, 64, of Tampa, FL passed away at his residence on February 21, 2008 from natural causes and under the care of Life Path Hospice. A native of Bowling Green, OH and a local resident since 1970, when he moved here from Bowling Green, OH; he was a retired automotive dealer in Florida; a Methodist; a member of VFW Post # 147; a avid NASCAR and Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Fan and a US Navy Veteran of the Vietnam War Era. Preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Lowell Smith, Gary is survived by is loving family: his sons, Todd Smith and his wife, Barbara of Tampa, FL and Chad Smith and his wife, Dawn of Holiday, FL; two brothers, Frank Smith Jr and Terry Smith, both of Bowling Green, OH, three grandchildren and many nieces and nephews of Bowling Green, Ohio. Graveside services are 12:30 PM, Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL with full military honors by Marion County Military Funeral Honors Team. VETERANS FUNERAL CARE-CLEARWATER, FL. 727-524-9202
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Chad and the rest of the Smith family:We are saddened to hear of the loss of Gary. Losing a beloved father, brother , uncle, grand dad, friend and patriot is never easy. Take comfort in the years you spent time together and create new memories in the years to come. No words are ever easily accepted or heard during a time of loss, but know that we have never met, but we are surrounding your family in prayer. May the strength of prayer lift the burdens on your hearts and minds. I also thank him for the service he provided to our country. As the old Navy dogs say, “To the boats!!”
Blessings to you all
Bill White
Impact Landscaping
WV
All of my memories with Gary are wonderful and as my dads best friend there are alot of them. He will be very missed in the Bishop family. I do know he is in a much better place hangin with our Lord and savior Jesus The Christ and also my dad. Thanks Gary for all the great times and memories,
The Bishop Family, Chris, Karen, Steven, and Nathaniel
Todd, It’s never easy to say what we want, when we most want to say it. Gary was lucky to have you and Chad and he loved you both very much. And we know you loved him just as much. He’s at peace now and will always be with you in spirit. God bless you and the rest of your family. God has already blessed Gary by bringing him home to glory. Be happy for that and take comfort.
So sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. What a lovely web tribute to him! He exemplified our “older generation,” not sittin’ and knittin’. God bless you and your family. And many thanks, Gary, for your service to our country.
Todd, Chad and Families. My heart goes out to all of you. Gary has been such a good friend to Dale and me for so many years, through high school, when you guys were little and lived in BG, when he would come back to BG for class reunions, and when we visited him in Tampa. He was a dear, dear friend and will be so sadly missed. I so missed his emails as he got weaker and just couldn’t write. I’m thankful he is out of the pain he’s endured for so many years. That’s a blessing. Him and Dale, I’m sure are having a great time together as they have moved forward to a better place and life. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Love, Judy
Our thoughts are with you and may your memories bring you comfort and peace.
Bill and Ellen Reeves
Todd and Chad, Thanks for putting together this website. We have fond memories of our last visit with your dad, in June of 2006. Swimming,grilling, and lots of hugs! It was a wonderful time. We will miss him! Take good care of Wally…what a character. Lots of Love, Mark, Brenda, Danielle, and Alyssa
Heartfelt sympathies!
Barbara Mercer Miller
I’m so sorry to hear about Gary. I was in grade school with him. In fact, he was the first boy to hold my hand. We had been friends since. My sincere sympathy to the family. I can feel your pain, I lost my husband of 43 years, last year. God’s blessings to you all.
Todd, Chad and families: I was a schoolmate of Gary from grade school all the way to graduation @ BGHS and was truly saddened to hear of his passing. Except for one or two reunions, I have not spoken to your Dad for 47 years but there is one single thing that sticks in my mind. I don’t think I ever saw him without a smile on his face. He just had a way of making everyone around him feel good. As a career Air Force veteran, I was especially pleased with the patriotism displayed on this web site. He served in troubled times for our country but silent millions in this country truly honored him for his service and sacrifice. God Bless him in the hallowed place where he now rests.
Don and Anna Capriotti
March 13, 2008
I have also built a website in memory of my dad.
http://www.gbsauto.com
Todd I just found out today I was going through some stuff, and I found the letter your dad wrote me in 2000! He called me the lady in red.I loved youre father he was a sweet man!
Rachael (lady in red)