Obituary of Gary E. Smith

   Gary Smith, deeply loved by his family and many friends, died peacefully of natural causes on Monday, January 15, 2024 in St. Petersburg, FL.

   Born in Detroit. MI, and raised in an Air Force family, Gary embraced all that a Military lifestyle offered, living in  

Michigan, New York, Alabama, Virginia, Japan, Colorado, Hawaii and Florida. Gary graduated from Radford High School in Honolulu, Hawaii and first attended Western State College in Gunnison, CO, then transferred and proudly graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from Colorado State University in Ft. Collins, CO.   

    Shortly after graduating from college, Gary headed to Vail and worked at the Lodge at Vail and was the first Sports Editor of the Vail Daily newspaper. He loved Vail and the mountains and enjoyed skiing, golfing, softball league and more. Gary maintained many strong and special friendships from his time in Vail. 

   Eventually, it was time to head to warmer weather and palm trees, and Gary moved to St. Petersburg, FL, where his parents had retired. Family activities included sailing, tennis, golf, Bucs football games & family get-togethers. 

    Gary covered some sporting events for the Bradenton Herald including writing about the Tampa Bay Lightning.

    He decided it was time to enter the fun-filled world of real estate and attended real estate school in St. Petersburg and received a Florida Real Estate Salesperson License. For many years, Gary was part of the great team at ReMax Metro and most recently was working with Smith & Associates Real Estate. Many of his real estate clients became lifelong friends.

   Gary was at home in beautiful St. Petersburg and never tired of dockside restaurants, sunset boat rides, poolside barbecues, sporting events and more. He cast a wide net with many loving and long-standing friendships. He was a natural Foodie, known for his famous Caesar Salads and perfectly cooked smoked ham. 

   Gary was preceded in death by his sister, Karen Rachel Smith; his father, Retired USAF Col. James Stanley Smith and his mother, Helena Rose Kennedy Smith, all of St. Petersburg. He is survived by his sister, Melena Darr of St. Petersburg; his sister Valerie Richardson (Jamie) of Grand Junction, CO; three nephews and one brand new great nephew, plus several cousins. 

   Gary will be greatly missed by his family and friends. 

   A Celebration of Life - at a location in St. Petersburg to be determined (we know it will have a view of the water) - will take place in the spring. Friends will share details.