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Gary Duane Smith

May 26, 1955 - June 5, 2023
Visitation
Wiley Center
420 US Hwy 377 E
Granbury, TX 76048
817 768-4700 |
Thursday 6/8, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Service
Stonewater Church, Granbury Campus
911 E Hwy 377, # 4
Granbury, Texas 76048
(817) 579-9175 |
Friday 6/9, 11:00 am

Gary Duane Smith of Granbury, Texas departed this world on June 5, 2023, at Baylor Hospital from complications following a heart attack.  He was 68 years old.

Gary was born in Brownwood, Texas where he spent his childhood playing a game that would be his biggest passion– football.  He graduated from Brownwood High School where he played football, won a State Championship, and was awarded All-State Linebacker honors.  Gary continued his education at Tarleton State University graduating with bachelor’s degrees in English and Physical Education. His goal was to teach English and coach high school football; however, along the way he developed a new passion for the grocery business. Gary found great success in pursuing a grocery career. He was one of ten in the country awarded a grant to attend the University of Southern California for the Food Industry Management program.

This career path led him to join the Walmart management family, a job he loved and served for over 30 years. During that time, he managed multiple stores where he experienced the joy of training many associates.  He loved the daily opportunities to interact with a wide array of people.

Most important to Gary was his family.  As a young man, he fell in love and married Karen Denise Carmack. Their 46-year marriage brought them two children, Eric and Tarin; and four grandchildren, Baylee, Lucas, Evelyn, and Oliver.  Gary was an amazing father and grandfather. Whether it was travel, holiday parties, or sports events, Gary was always happiest with his family, and he never missed an opportunity to spend time with them.

Gary is survived by his wife, Karen; his son Eric and wife, Ashlee; his daughter Tarin and husband, Vince; his grandchildren Baylee, Lucas, Evelyn, and Oliver; his sister Darla and husband, Mike; his brother Bruce and wife, Sherry. He also leaves behind a large, beloved extended family and friends.  Gary is preceded in death by his parents Dave and Melba Smith.

A visitation will be held at Wiley Center in Granbury Thursday, June 8, 6:00- 8:00pm. The funeral service will be held at Stonewater Church in Granbury Friday, June 9, 11:00am.

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Visitation
Wiley Center
420 US Hwy 377 E
Granbury, TX 76048
817 768-4700 | Map
Thursday 6/8, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Service
Stonewater Church, Granbury Campus
911 E Hwy 377, # 4
Granbury, Texas 76048
(817) 579-9175 | Map
Friday 6/9, 11:00 am

Gary Duane Smith of Granbury, Texas departed this world on June 5, 2023, at Baylor Hospital from complications following a heart attack.  He was 68 years old. Gary was born in Brownwood, Texas where he spent his childhood playing a game that would be his biggest passion– football.  He graduated from Brownwood High School whereContinue Reading

See Condolences
Lora and Delores left a message on June 8, 2023:
In memory of Gary Duane Smith, Lora and Delores lit a candle
Lynda Beghdadi left a message on June 8, 2023:
Gary was my store manager at #590. I will always remember at our store meetings. Gary would always tell us about taking chances. " You cant get hit by lightning. If you dont dance in the rain." Thank you sir for your kindness, wisdom and amazing work ethic. You will be missed.
Shawna Carmack left a message on June 8, 2023:
You will be missed uncle monkey I love you
Jennifer Kalahar left a message on June 8, 2023:
Offering you all my sympathy at this time of loss
Craig Nieting left a message on June 8, 2023:
So Sorry to the Smith Family with the Loss of Gary Gary and I first met when he joined our Team back in 1988-1989 at then-Hypermart USA in Arlington-1801 as a Trainee, after Training he moved onto other Stores and I moved onto 1800-260 and then as a MGM, Whenever we crossed paths, we talked about our time at the Hyper and laughed about his Closing on his First December 23rd at the Hyper Great Guy and will be missed
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Harry Keeley left a message on June 8, 2023:
Gary was an amazing boss to us. He cared not only about the business, how we were doing at work, but more importantly about what was happening in our lives. When he left the store in Fort Worth, I made several stops to see him at his new store. He always had time for a cheerful hello and reminiscing about the old days.
Juan and Alma Ortega left a message on June 8, 2023:
Our most sincere sympathies on the passing of your dad. May God comfort and bring strength to you and your family.
Candice Jones left a message on June 7, 2023:
My deepest condolences to the family
Paige Hopkins left a message on June 7, 2023:
Gary will always be remembered for his hilarious dry sense of humor by me. He taught me to laugh at myself and always enjoyed our early commute to volleyball practice. My thoughts and prayers are with his sweet family.
Ethel (Petey) Fleming left a message on June 7, 2023:
Had the opportunity to get to work with Gary. And enjoyed his sense of humor and kindness. Worked at the Walmart in Stephenville. Prayers are with his family. I am sure he will be missed.
Margueax Parks left a message on June 7, 2023:
Gary, you lit up the life’s of many, many people. You made a position difference on this earth. The respect you showed my daughter & the open friendship you offered my grandbaby from day one, was genuine. You’ve done good, you will be missed by so many & you definitely earned your wings. Rest easy Gary. My deepest condolences 💐 to your family
Shelby Foster left a message on June 7, 2023:
Gary was my main rock at Walmart. He knew how much I love my job, how hard I worked, how loyal I was, and how thorough I was. He knew I would not let him down even when it took longer than expected, he never questioned it, he knew he would be happy with the results and that I have old school work ethics. He could see inside my adhd 100 mile hr head and know what the long term result would be, where others would get inpatient or irritated lol. What am I going to do without you Bossman??? My biggest fan 😢 I’m so sorry for your families loss, and for Walmarts loss of great manager. Great man.
Cherry mayne left a message on June 7, 2023:
There are not enough words to say what a great man to know and work with. I worked with Gary in two stores and each time was always a new learning experience. He was a great leader, mentor, friend and boss to know. But above all how he loved his family. What he wouldn't do for them. Love to all and peace be with all.
Janeen & Wade Kouf left a message on June 7, 2023:
To Tarin, Vince & entire family - We are So Saddened to hear of the loss of your father & grandfather. Know you are not alone! May the memories of your dad bring you peace and comfort.♥️
Wiley Funeral Home left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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