Gary Smith

Gary Roger Smith went to be with his Lord and Savior on March 23, 2009 after fighting a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was preceded in death by his parents Charles David Smith and Gloria Ann Piester Smith. He is survived by one brother, Charles David Smith II and wife Edna of Beaver Dam Arizona, and one niece, Julia R Atkins and husband Tim, formally of Colorado City, TX. He has four Great nephews, Brandon Atkins, and wife Holly, of Coahoma, TX; Robbie Atkins, and wife Julie of Colorado City, TX; Michael Atkins, and wife Brooke of Big Spring, TX; and Tim Atkins II of Big Spring, TX. He has 3 Great-Great nephews, Cutter, Tanner and Rowdy Atkins, and 4 Great-Great nieces, Hope, Paige, Kayden, and Kamryn Atkins. He has many Aunts, Uncles, and numerous cousins that all loved him dearly as well. He was a great man who loved God and Country. He served in Vietnam with UDT/SEAL TEAM more than 15 years (July 1965-January 1981), starting with SEAL TEAM 1, Bravo Platoon, SEAL TEAMS 1 and 2 were in response to President Kennedy’s desire and request to develop an Unconventional Warfare capability, the U.S. Navy established these two teams in 1962. Formed entirely with personnel from Underwater Demolition Teams. Their mission was to conduct counter guerilla warfare and clandestine operations in maritime and riverine environments. He spent 32 months in Vietnam, engaging in 257 combat missions. He was awarded the Purple Heart, three Bronze Stars, three Navy Commendation medals, two Navy Achievement medals, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, and numerous campaign ribbons, including the Combat Action ribbon. He earned second-class deep-sea diver status, Navy/Marine Corps parachute wings, Vietnam jump wings, and several other distinctions. He graduated with UDT Training Class 36 and U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy Class 17. He retired from the Navy as a Master Chief Petty Officer and a Master EOD Technician. In 1991he also took part in explosive ordinance disposal in Kuwait. He was a member of the DOHA Brotherhood while stationed in Kuwait. He loved his military brothers and the life they led together. Following his military retirement, he became a Deputy Sheriff in Jack County, Texas. He was an avid hunter and outdoorsman; he traveled Africa as well as many other lands to hunt and fish, bringing back enormous trophies. He was the author of four published books detailing his life in the military, Death in the Jungle, Death in the Delta, Master Chief, and DemoMen. He donated his large and lengthy memoirs to the Navy Seal Museum in Fort Pierce, Florida. In honor of his love of all things military, memorials may be given to Disabled Veterans. This is just an update to let you know we will be at the Wesley Chapel Cemetery on Saturday, April 25th at 2:00PM for his graveside Memorial Service. Everyone is welcome to attend while we bury his ashes and share a few words about his life, and at that time we will be reading the eulogy he prepared himself years ago. This will be informal as these were his wishes, and all are welcome to share any kind words they feel are appropriate. We will go to the Green Frog following his memorial for anyone who wishes to join us. A picture video of Gary and some of his memorable moments, along with family and friends and some of his military buddies will be shared as well. These will be available to whoever would like to receive a copy. Thank you, Julia

Gary Smith

September 29, 1941 - March 23, 2009