Gary Livingston Smith

It is with both deep gratitude and tremendous sadness that we invite you to celebrate the life of Gary Livingston Smith, a faithful man of God who is whole, healed and with his Heavenly Father as of February 3, 2026.

Born on June 20, 1958, Gary was a brother to three sisters and the only son of Jerry and Annette Smith. Gary moved through his life principled and purposeful, giving his life to Jesus in June of 1976 and acquiring the titles that would mean the most to him soon after: Husband, Dad, and, finally, Papa. Of all of these, he would confidently tell you that it was being the husband of his high school sweetheart, Sharon, for 48 years that meant the most. Together, Gary and Sharon committed the first twenty-four years of their life together to his service in the United States Navy, to raising a family, and to serving faithfully in every church of which they were a member. In 2001, Gary retired as a decorated Naval Officer and proud United States Veteran.

Even after retirement Gary's life was marked by hard work. After his military service, he answered an even deeper calling to full-time ministry and was ordained as a pastor, where he shepherded with compassion, preached with conviction, and loved people where they were. He believed deeply in the transforming power of Jesus Christ and lived out his faith not only from the pulpit, but in everyday acts of kindness, prayer, and steady encouragement. In the final years of his retired but professional life, he took on roles in the world of retail, including a management position at Home Depot, where he was respected as a leader and mentor. He was known for his strong work ethic, fairness, and genuine care for both customers and coworkers. To many, he was more than a manager-he was a steady presence, a problem-solver, and a friend.

As meaningful as it would be to celebrate Gary for a lifelong commitment to diligent work, this is never what he would want us to remember most. Gary valued family in a way that was nearly unheard of. In his home, Gary was a provider and protector. Thanks to his integrity and high expectations, he earned a reputation as an intimidating 'giant' of a man, but upon closer inspection, he would have been seen with his kids, playing board games late into the night, repurposing his military uniforms to play flashlight tag in the woods, dutifully serving as the 'all-time quarterback' in backyard football games, and, later in life, teaching his grandkids the importance of licking the cake batter from the bowl.

Last but certainly not least, it would be remiss not to mention that a meaningful portion of Gary and Sharon's life together was spent in the mountains of North Carolina-a place that was far more than a residence - it was a fulfilled promise to take Sharon back to the places where their life together began. There, they built a home marked by peace, simplicity, and togetherness. Surrounded by God's creation, Gary found joy in quiet mornings, familiar routines, and the steady presence of the woman he loved most - and every squirrel and critter she chose to adopt. Those years reflected the heart of who he was: grounded, faithful, and content to dwell where family, faith, and the beauty of the land met.

Although not a part of the plan, Gary's final days were spent in Garner, North Carolina, where he was loved deeply by a community who prayed for his healing and a wife who lived out her commitment to love him in sickness and in health. Above all, he was a man who loved God and loved people. He lived his life with purpose, generosity, and quiet strength. His legacy is one of faithfulness-faithful to God, faithful to family, and faithful to every role he was entrusted with.

He is now at rest, having heard the words he lived for: "Well done, good and faithful servant." Though he will be deeply missed, we rejoice in the hope we have in Christ, knowing that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord, and all our prayers for him were answered. He is healed.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Jerry and Annette Smith, father-in-law Ted Braswell, sister-in-law Pam Mitchell, and niece Karen Pardoe.

Gary is survived by his beloved wife and best friend, Sharon Smith; his daughter, Heather Sullivan and her husband, Shaun; and his son, Jonathan Smith and his wife, Renee.

Gary was a proud and loving grandfather (Papa) to Seth Sullivan and Brady Sullivan; Jaxson Shae Smith and Audrey Gianna Smith, and Evelyn Grace Smith and Coley Livingston Smith, whom he cherished deeply.

He is also survived by his siblings: Elizabeth Barnes and her husband, Kenny, Penny Millis and her husband, Ron, and Michelle Pardoe and her husband, Don. His sisters-in-law: Deborah Skrede and Donna Teems. His nieces and nephews: Kelly Barnes Smith, Christoper Millis, LeAnn Millis Hester, Eric Pardoe, Emily Pardoe Farmer, and Anna Pardoe.

Celebrations of his life and military career will be held at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home in Garner, NC on February 9, 2026 at 2:00 pm and the Western NC Veterans Cemetery on February 11, 2026 at 2:00 pm

In lieu of flowers, our family invites you to make a contribution to the ongoing research of the Lewy Body Dementia Association.