Gary Lee Smith

Gary L. Smith, 83, of Massillon, passed away peacefully, on Wednesday morning, April 10, 2024.  Born in Massillon, July 20, 1940, the only child of the late George and Ruth (Knodel) Smith, Gary graduated from Washington High Schoolwith the Class of 1958.  He served honorably in the United States Air Force, enjoying a three-year tour in Hawaii. Gary would return to work at the Eaton Corporation while volunteering at the Boys and Girls Club.  He would give back to the community with participating in their open gym events for the many children of Massillon.  Gary would then transition to work and then retired after nearly twenty-five years in service to Jackson Local Schools.  He was a man of quiet faith; a devoted husband, and a loving and supportive dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa. Gary grew up hunting and fishing. His enjoyment for the water only grew while stationed in Hawaii.  Gary would learn to water ski and dive on his off-duty days.  He shared his love of the water with his growing family when he bought them a boat.  He could be found on weekends with family, on outings to nearby lakes and state parks.  As the family grew, Gary and Bev would trade in their boat for camping in recreational vehicles and would continue their journeys together for over four decades.  Often camping twice a month for half of the year, and many years including larger camping rallies that would take them farther away, exploring the United States, many of the camp outs would be shared with other friends where cards would be played, pot-lucks devoured, and campfires lit.  Gary and his late wife, Bev, enjoyed traveling together so much that they began “snow birding” in Florida in their retirement.  When Gary was home and a free moment found, he could often be found tinkering in his workshop.  He had an amazing skill for working with wood and could create cedar chests to a baby cradle, and everything in between.

Predeceased by his parents; and just this past September, by his wife of 53 years, Beverly L. (Ertle) Smith; Gary is survived by his children, Keith (Dana) Smith, of Coshocton, Amy (Alan) Schiaffino, of Arlington, Virginia, and Juli (Chuck) Roberts, of Jackson Township; grandchildren, Kelsey Cox, Aaron Smith, Shelby Roberts, Nathan Smith, Alexander Schiaffino, Sydney and Charles Roberts, Jack and Elizabeth Schiaffino and Ian Roberts; twelve great-grandchildren and an extended family of in-laws and nieces also survive.

Funeral services will be conducted at noon, Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at Atkinson Feucht Hare Funeral Home in Massillon.  The family will receive condolences one hour prior to the service, from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. in the funeral home.  Rev. Dave Andrews will officiate.  Military honors will close the service, and a private burial will follow.  

Your memories and condolences are always welcome and may be added here to Gary’s on-line guestbook.

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