Dec. 18, 1956 — May 20, 2016
“Smitty,” our loving husband, father, son, brother and friend!
Gary Larson Smith “Smitty” at the age of 59 passed away in his home surrounded by his family on May 20, after succumbing to his illness.
Gary was born on Dec. 18, 1956, in Panguitch, Utah, to Dar and Helen (Jolley) Smith of Tropic, Utah.
Gary moved to beautiful St. George in 1967 where he graduated from Dixie High School Class of ’75 with the reputation of being the guy that everyone knew and loved! His love of life, friends and music endeared him to many.
Gary worked at Mont’s Texaco on the Boulevard for years. His first love was his little blue Ford courier pickup, and this was a gateway love that facilitated him to chase beautiful women. He married early and often. “One at a time of course.”
But, seriously, Smitty worked hard, he became a father earlier in life, and his love for his family and his love and desire to provide for them created one hard working guy. He was one of the hardest working men you’d ever meet! He worked very hard throughout his lifetime at many jobs over the years, but none could compare to his true calling in life as a heavy equipment operator! He loved the work of moving dirt.
He poured his blood, sweat and tears into his work! If you know Smitty, you know he always had the most amazing tan from working in that hot Dixie sun, but he loved it. He earned a prestigious reputation of being one of the best heavy equipment operators in town (just ask anyone, and they’ll tell you)!
In the early ’80s, he bought his home in Washington City, Utah. He raised his daughter Keena there, one day to surprise her with announcement of the arrival of her new baby brother, Chase. In later years, Smitty’s family grew again. He met and then married his wife Brenda in October of 1993 in Las Vegas, Nevada. That’s where he gained three more beautiful children: Cristy, Jessica and Kimberly.
Smitty considered it an honor to have his grandchildren grow up in or around that same home!
Even though Smitty’s life has ended here on this mortal earth, we leave you knowing this: Smitty’s life does not end here. I’m sure there is some dirt work in heaven that needed to be done!
Sadly, he leaves behind Dar and Helen, his loving mother and father; wife, Brenda Smith; children Keena Smith Tanner (Darin) and Chase Smith; stepchildren Cristy Marie Chadd, Jessica Ann Gomez, Kimberly Dawn Nixon and Diane Trujillo; siblings Larry, Dar, Tim, Lans and Kristin Smith; and grandchildren Mykala, Michelle, Melissa, Dillon, Roger, Aviona and Dakota.
Gary was preceded in death by his infant brother, David, and his grandparents.
“Oh yeah he loved his strawberry milk shakes too!!”
Funeral Services
- Funeral services to be held Saturday, May 28, at 11 a.m. at the Washington 1st Ward Chapel, 82 N. Main St., Washington, Utah.
- There will be a viewing Friday, May 27, from 5-7 p.m. at Spilsbury Mortuary and also Saturday prior to services from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the Chapel.
- Interment will take place in the Washington City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family to help with the funeral expenses. Inquiries may be made at Spilsbury Mortuary.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Spilsbury Mortuary, 435-635-2212.
For condolences, full obituary and funeral listings, please visit Spilsbury Mortuary online.