Gary Leon Smith
September 12, 1948 ~ February 19, 2023
Fairburn Southern Cremations & Funerals
Gary Leon Smith was born to Leon “Smitty” Smith and Bernice Gripper Smith on September 12, 1948 in Brooklyn, New York. He was raised by his mother, Bernice, and stepfather, Odie Harris. He received his Bachelor of Science degree at Syracuse University. Gary served in Vietnam in the United States Army from 1968-1970. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Bronze Star. Gary had a successful career in Information Technology Management for over 50 years. He was a Christian who enjoyed visiting Word of Faith Family Cathedral in Austell, GA. His real loves were spending time with his family, traveling the world, following politics, building computers, and mentoring young people in computer science. He enjoyed watching and cheering on his 17-year-old granddaughter, Jada Ward, playing water polo at the University of Southern California and abroad for the U.S. National team. Gary enjoyed having conversations with his grandson, Jamel, about their mutual love of cars, business, and collecting watches. He was also passionate about traveling, attending concerts, listening to jazz, and boating. He was a devoted father to Keisha and Shayna, grandfather to Jamel and Jada, and life partner to Marsha. He will be deeply missed.
Gary Leon Smith passed away on February 19, 2023. He died peacefully with his family by his side. Gary was preceded in death by his parents Bernice Harris, Odie Harris, and Leon Smith as well as his brother Israel (Izzy) Smith. He is survived by his life partner, Marsha Mosley; daughters, Keisha Smith and Shayna Smith; a grandson, Jamel Ward; granddaughter, Jada Ward; sister, Anita Burnes (Walter); nieces, Tara Ellis, Kim Booker, Samone Brown; nephew, Donte Burnes; Patriarch Eddie Tyrone Gripper and Matriarch Barbara Quick, and a host of other relatives.
A memorial service will be held February 24, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Holly Hills Memorial Park, 431 SW Broad St. in Fairburn, GA.
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I wish you and your family peace during this difficult time.
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All though we only met a few times, you were a kind and intelligent man. May God’s blessings and strength be upon your family and friends, now and the days to come🙏🏾
Gary had a truly beautiful soul and personality, his conversations was always delightful, educational, purposeful and meaningful with every interaction! He will be missed and forever loved, Prayers to his family and loved ones! Marsha, thank you for bringing Gary into our lives at PPG, his conversation and interactions have forever been genuine!!! He will continue to watch over his friends, family and loved ones through your journey through life, cry tears of joy and be at peace there’s no more pain for Gary!!!
My condolences, peace and love to Marsha and his family and friends,
Shara Greene
I will always cherish the moments that my brother and I shared. He was there during some of my weakest moments. Some of my fondest moments were the milestones. ..the birthdays and the weddings . He was the last bit of my father that I had to hold onto. I can’t imagine what life will be without him. Rest in peace my brother. You will always be my hero and forever loved!
Gary,
You were a great partner to my Cousin Marsha and a wonderful friend to me. I will miss our many discussions on various topics and how there was always laughter. Thank you for the joy you brought to many lives.
Rest in Peace in the arms of the Lord dear one.
Charlotte Johnson
Gary was very good to my son and daughter in law. When they moved to atlanta..Marsha my daughter in law Aunt. Was there for them. He was always a polite gentlemen to speak too. Marsha and his family have my heartfelt condolences. Sorry due to my health i could not attend.
A beautiful Memorial
My Heart is Broken until we meet again my love.
I met Gary 7 years ago. Our first date was on Valentine’s Day. We went to Rays on the River in Sandy Springs. It was a great first date, good food, great conversation. And yes we kissed on the first date at the door. The start of a great friendship and love affair. I thought our time together would be longer. We both said we wished we would have met earlier in life. But that was not God’s plan. We were with each other when we were supposed to be. I will miss you Gary Smith and think of you daily. Your daughters and family have accepted me as part of the family and I am going to need them. Thank you baby for our 7 years I will see you in Heaven.
To the best father a girl could have. Thank you for loving and guiding me through this crazy and wild ride called “life”. I miss and love you Dad. With Love Always, Shayna
Magical Day with My Favorite Guy on my Favorite Beach (with Marsha Just Nearby)
Sorry for your loss
Butch,
You will always be the man! Your legacy of excellence, wisdom and love for family will continue to live on in each of us. Thank you for daring to be different, for living life without pause and for your relentless pursuit of strategic excellence. You didn’t just exist … you lived–and we will forever love you for it.
Love,
Pop, Di Yonna, Amani and Aniyah – The Mitchell Family