Gary Raymond Smith

Gary Raymond Smith, 78, of Lakeland, Florida, went to his eternal home on May 13, 2020 with his beloved wife of 57 years, Shirley, by his side.

Gary served on both the USS Surfbird, a degaussing ship, and the USS Tullibee, submarine, during his US Naval Service, 1960 to 1966. He retired as the unit administrator, Staff Sergeant, of Company C, 429t​ h Forward Support Battalion, 29t​ h​ Infantry Division, during his service in the US Army National Guard, 1983 to 2001.

Gary loved to cook and owned several restaurants in Virginia. He retired to Lakeland, FL in 2002 where he served his Lord Jesus Christ in fellowship with the brethren. He served others through Comfort Keepers, Talbot House, Light House and the Cypress Lakes Veterans Association.

Gary and Shirley enjoyed the friendship of many. He was able to hear words of love and encouragement from his children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends up until the day of his homegoing for which we were most thankful.

Gary is survived by his wife, Shirley; daughter, Terry Tussing (Mark Tussing) and son, Darren Smith of Gordonsville, VA, and daughter, JoAnna Collins (Jonathan Collins) of Orange, VA; nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren; brother, Samuel Smith (Geraldine Smith) of Emporium, PA; and many family and friends. 

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Eulala Smith, sister, Joan Lyon and great granddaughter Kinzley Collins.

A celebration of life memorial will be held in the upcoming months when our assembly will be less restricted at Bethel Baptist Church in Socrum, Lakeland, Florida. Gary will be laid at rest in the Culpeper National Cemetery in Virginia with full military honors in the near future.