Gary Lee Smith

Gary Lee Smith, Born January 6, 1953 – Departed September 7, 2024

Most people knew Gary Lee Smith as "the guy with the big heart," though he'd probably have chuckled and said, "It's just cholesterol." On Saturday, September 7, 2024, at home and surrounded by his loving family—who probably still owe him a few IOUs—Gary left this world under the care of Jackson County Hospice. His departure, in true Gary style, was likely done with little fuss and a gentle reminder to “not make a big deal out of this.”

Gary entered the world on January 6, 1953, in Clinton, Iowa, a place known for two things: its cornfields and, apparently, its wrestling champions. Gary excelled at sports, particularly wrestling, where he flexed both muscle and wit to place 3rd at the State Tournament. He went on to wrestle for the University of Dubuque, where he probably would have wrestled even longer if life hadn't tagged him out. After losing his mom during his first year at university, Gary didn’t just wrestle with grief—he made the selfless decision to return home, helping raise his three younger brothers while juggling work and life’s unpredictable moments.

Family always came first for Gary. His relationships with his sister and brothers remained a cornerstone throughout his life, proving that wrestling skills really came in handy when wrangling with siblings. This early sacrifice was just a preview of the kind of dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa he would become—a man who balanced love, sacrifice, and perhaps just a dash of sarcastic wit.

On November 12, 1983, Gary won the ultimate match when he married the love of his life, Darla Daniels. The ceremony took place at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa, where the only thing bigger than their love was Gary’s grin as he realized he’d found someone willing to put up with him for life. Their two sons, Chad (Noelle) and Travis (Nicki), were the lucky recipients of Gary’s boundless love, which they’d later learn came with a lot of unsolicited advice about how to properly build things. Travis (Nikki) Smith blessed Grandpa with Emery & Levi, and Chad (Noelle) Devereaux blessed Grandpa with Mackenzie, Justin and Kory —and a great-grandson, Theo, who will undoubtedly hear stories about "Grandpa Gary's" legendary skills with a hammer and a punchline.

Gary was a skilled carpenter, known for working 30+ years in the trade, specifically as a scaffolding specialist with Local 790 Carpenters Union. His talents were so well-known that family members now look around their homes and see not just walls but monuments to Gary's handiwork. And if you’ve ever worked with him, you know he was the type who couldn’t leave a project alone—right up until the end, he asked for a straight-edge to build Darla a flower box, proving that his dedication to both love and lumber was unwavering.

Aside from building things (and telling everyone else how to build them), Gary had a few other passions: fishing, boating, side-by-side riding, and—unsurprisingly—pizza and beer at Geno’s with family. He had a gift for storytelling, often providing the kind of "details" that only the most patient listener could appreciate. Yet, his stories were like his carpentry: precise, enduring, and bound to leave an impression—whether you wanted one or not.

Gary coached Little League when his kids played, attended every grandkid’s sporting or school event, and enjoyed deer hunting and trapping during his prime. He loved breakfast and lunch with "the good ole boys"—Mark Stremlow, Bubba Smith, Mike Fullan, Kieth Malone, Gary Meyers, and Randy Struck—who’d gather to retell dirty jokes, argue over the bill, and likely reminisce about the “good ol’ days” when everyone thought they were still in their prime. Gary also loved Roscoe, his Aussie. Even though Roscoe would listen to Darla better, Gary was the one Roscoe would share licorice with.

Gary will also be dearly missed by his four siblings, Barb (Chuck) Smith, Mike (Sue) Smith, Perry (Kelly) Smith, and Brian Smith. He is preceded in death by his parents Eugene and Bonnie Smith, his in-laws Milton and Marion Daniels, and his son, Chad Smith.

When you think of Gary, think of laughter, sarcasm, and the moments he left you with. He’d want you to smile, maybe crack open a beer, and remember a funny story or two. And if you're attending any sort of memorial, leave your suits and ties at home. Gary hated getting dressed up, so do him a favor—jeans and a t-shirt will do just fine.

Because if Gary could leave you with one last piece of advice, it would probably be this: life’s short, don’t take it too seriously, and if you ever need a straight-edge, make sure it’s a good one. You never know when you’ll need to build a flower box for someone you love.

A visitation will be held 4-7pm Friday, September 13, 2024 at Law Jones in Preston, Iowa. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, 11-1pm at the Preston Town Hall with food and drinks, there will be a chance to share some memories at 12:30, and then a side-by-side all vehicle ride, beginning at 1:15pm from the Town Hall.