Gary Lane Smith, age 81, passed away on December 16, 2024. Gary was a Christian man who now enjoys the rest and peace of Paradise.
Gary was born on March 21, 1943 near Haskell, Oklahoma. He was a Haskell Haymaker who loved sports, playing football, basketball and baseball. Following graduation, Gary served four years in the United States Air Force, including duty in Vietnam and Thailand during the Vietnam war. He enjoyed a successful career in sales.
Gary – the Rascal from Haskell – was blessed with 58 years of marriage to Barbara Smith – the Okie from Muskogee. Their marriage was a lifelong example of faithfulness, devotion and love. Gary and Barbara had two children, Becky and Eric, and five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren who adore their Grandad and Grammie.
Gary was an accomplished musician, having taught himself to play guitar on Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard classics. His most natural posture was holding his prized Gibson Blue Ridge while strumming Folsom Prison Blues. He loved to entertain with music and a good joke.
Most importantly, Gary was a faithful believer in God. He was a student of the Bible who served as an elder and deacon for many years. Gary established a legacy of faithfulness for his family that will continue for generations.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Elbert Sewell (Bud) and Ruby Smith, sister Edwynna Northway, sister Saundra Jones, brother Hal Smith, and son-in-law Tracey Haliburton. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Smith; daughter and son-in-law, Becky and Ron Gooch; son and daughter-in-law, Eric and Cassie Smith; grandchildren, Kendall, Maggie and husband Bryan, Parker and wife Ashlea, Harrison and Carter, and great-grandchildren Perry and Caywood.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at Buchanan Funeral Service, 8712 N. Council Rd, Oklahoma City, with family attending from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 20, 2024 at Buchanan Funeral Service.
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