Staunton Star - Times - Published in the Interest of the Staunton Community for Over 143 Years

Gary Wayne Smith, 79, of Gillespie, Ill., died at St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield on Friday, July 22, 2022. He was born June 24, 1943, in Litchfield, to Harry Smith Sr. and Maggie Linton Smith. He married Frances Ann Boetta on Oct. 5, 1963, in Gillespie, and she survives.

He worked at PPG for 10 years, A. O. Smith for 10 years before working as a custodian for Community Unit School District 7. Gary was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and served in Vietnam. Gary was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was a longtime member of the Trinity Baptist Church in Gillespie where he served as a Sunday school teacher and member of the men's group. He played accordion in his band, Country Cousins, during high school and thereafter.

He is survived by his wife, Frances Smith of Gillespie; daughters, Karla (Chad) Smith-Andrews of Abingdon, Karyn (Norman) Mears of Decatur; grandchildren, Kayla, Kelly, Zachary, Kaytie, Garrett, Bella, John, Jr .; and four great-grandchildren. Gary was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Annette F. Smith; brothers, William Smith, Harry Smith, Jr. and sister, Betty Gentry.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, July 26, at Trinity Baptist Church in Gillespie. Burial was at Holy Cross Cemetery in Gillespie.

Memorials are suggested to wishes of the family. Condolences may be left online at http://www.kravanyafuneral.com. Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie was in charge of arrangements.