Gary Smith

Gary Thomas Smith, age 67, of Prospect Hill, NC passed away on April 6, 2023 at his residence. He was born on September 15, 1955 to the late James and Shirley (Marley) Smith of Snow Camp, NC. He was preceded in death by his son, Jason Thomas Smith, his maternal grandparents, Lacy and Elizabeth Marley, his paternal grandparents, Willie and Rosa (King) Smith, his uncle Ross Marley, his niece April Saunders, his brother-in-law, Mike King, and brother-in-law, Eugene Watson. He was also predeceased by his mother and father in-law, Jack and Margaret Watson, of Prospect Hill, his friend and hunting buddy of 42 years, Gene Webster of Snow Camp, and two other very devoted friends, Bill Burton and Ben Blaylock, both of Prospect Hill.

He leaves behind his wife of 42 years, Dorothy Watson Smith, two brothers Barry Smith (Julie) and William “Chuckie” Smith, both of Snow Camp, two sisters Connie King of Burlington, NC, and Sara Saunders (Rex) of Snow Camp. He also leaves behind two sister-in-laws, Elaine Williams (Bill) of Burlington, and Helen Lunsford (Ronnie) of Prospect Hill, and one brother-in-law David Watson (Jean) of Snow Camp. He had 9 nieces and nephews, 18 great-nieces and nephews, and 1 great-great nephew.

He was retired from the Street Division with the City of Burlington after 30 years of dedicated service. He also worked in grading prior to that. He retired from the Prospect Hill Volunteer Fire Department after 20 years. He was a member of Antioch Baptist Church in Graham, NC. He was an avid rabbit hunter and also enjoyed fishing with his buddy, Chris Tate.

A graveside service will be held at Lea Bethel Baptist Church on Wednesday, April 12th, 2023 at 1pm. All are welcome to attend. Officiating will be Reverend Bobby Tate. A number of great friends will serve as honorary pallbearers. Family will be receiving friends at his home at 1480 Ridgeville Rd, Prospect Hill, NC.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to Prospect Hill Volunteer Fire Department, Attn: Robbie Jean Yarbrough at 163 Cooper Cemetary Rd, Prospect Hill, NC 27314 or to Lea Bethel Baptist Church at 1820 Ridgeville Rd, Prospect Hill, NC 27314.