Gary graduated from Bonneville High School, in Idaho Falls and graduated from the Salt Lake Barber College in 1964. Gary owned Oakridge Barbers and retired in 2019 after 49 years.

In 1965 Gary joined the 19th Special Forces at Camp Williams. He graduated from Jump School in Ft. Benning, Georgia in 1966 and earned his Green Beret in 1967. His training missions took him to Hawaii, Korea, Thailand, Philippines, Guam, Scotland and Panama. He served in the Utah National Guard for 30 years with nearly 400 jumps. He retired in 2005 with the rank of Sergeant Major of Co. A 1st BN. 19th SF Company Airborne.

As a member of the LDS Church, Gary held many callings including scout leader, primary teacher, ward mission leader, bishopric counselor, and Crestwood Care Center Branch President.

Gary loved the outdoors; fishing and hunting in his early years; and later camping and snowmobiling with his family. He loved to attend the PBR and visit Jackson Hole, WY, with his wife every year. He loved keeping his cars clean and working in his yard. He especially loved early morning walks with Arliss.

He is survived by his wife, Arliss, of 59 years; daughters, Tresa (Evan) Williams, Ogden; Stacy (Chad) Olsen, Harrisville; son, Ryan (Kari Minster) Smith, S. Ogden; brothers, Roger (Helen) Smith, Concord, CA; and Steven (May) Smith, Blackfoot, ID; and sister-in-law, Carolyn (Richard) Smith. His 12 grandchildren and 1 spunky great-grandchild brought him great joy.

Gary was preceded in death by brothers; Stanford, Kent, and Richard Smith; a sister, JoAnn Nichols; his son, Daniel G. Smith; and grandsons, Michael W. and Cody W. Lawrence.

Viewing will be held Tuesday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Myers Mortuary, 845 Washington Ave. Ogden. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 6, at 11 a.m. at the Burch Creek 4th Ward Chapel, 4955 Adams Ave., Ogden. Viewing will be held, Wednesday at the church from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. prior to services. Interment will be in the Myers Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery.