Gary Lynn Smith

August 15, 1948 - November 8, 2020

Gary Lynn Smith, 72, passed away on Sunday, November 8, 2020 in Orlando, Florida. Gary was born on August 15, 1948 in Duncan, Oklahoma to J.B. and “Peggy” Smith, the second son of three boys. Growing up, he played many sports but truly loved baseball and wrestling. Gary graduated from Duncan High School and earned his associated degree from Cameron University in computer programming. He joked that he majored in pool during his college years. After college, Gary moved to Dallas, where he met and subsequently married Kay Connor on September 24, 1977. Their first child, April arrived a year later, Jason followed in 1980, and Clay, the last baby, arrived in 1981. Not long after they were blessed with the addition of Nicole. Gary worked hard for a number of companies including Levi Strauss and Computer Associates, in order to provide for his family. He was highly competitive and continued to love sports. He was always there for his kids and grandkids. He especially enjoyed coaching and cheering from the sidelines, even for the “communist sport of soccer.” Gary enjoyed fishing with his father and carried that tradition down to his sons and grandkids. He also shared his fondness of playing cards with many family nights spent around the table in competition. He relished winning money from his friends and family playing Texas Hold’Em. Sports were central in Gary’s life. Most days he would spend part of his time couch coaching his favorite teams, like the Texas Rangers. However, the greatest loves of his life were God, family and golf. After many years of hard work, he finally landed his dream job by retiring. The Trails of Frisco became his second home, where he tended the greens, treasure hunted thousands of golf balls, and played golf almost every day with his buddies. Gary grew up in the church and had fond memories of his time in the choir. He carried his passion of worshiping through song for the rest of his life. He was a member of First Baptist Carrollton, where he sang in their choir. He desired to pass the faith on to his children, and brought them up attending church. They observed his faithful and generous spirit, leaving lasting impressions on their lives. Gary was a protector and a provider. His family will remember a joy-filled, kind and generous man of God. He was preceded in death by his parents. Gary is survived by his wife of 43 years, Kay Smith; four children, Nicole James; April Hyatt and husband Bryan; Jason Smith and wife Laine; Clay Smith and wife Shala; two brothers Gene Smith and wife Kathy; Jay Smith and wife Danna; and 15 grandchildren: Lauren, Andrew, Nathan, Caden, Cole, Eyan, Eli, Lily, Micah, Gabriella, Jeremiah, Johannah, Ruthanne, Madeline, and Corban. A Celebration for Gary’s Life to be held Saturday, November 14th @ 11 A.M. at First Baptist Church of the Fields, 1401 Carrollton Pkwy, Carrollton, TX 75010. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that you honor Gary by giving a gift to Missions at First Baptist Boerne. Gary loved supporting missions to spread the name of Jesus. Giving can be done at the following link and will go towards international missions. Choose the Fund drop down button and select “In Memory of Gary Smith (for FBC missions).” https://onrealm.org/fbcboerne/-/give/now