Gary Clayton Smith, Sr.

Gary Clayton Smith, Sr., passed away on Wednesday, April 4, 2018, in Granbury, Texas.

Services will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Martins Funeral Home in Granbury. All those who attend are invited to go to the First United Methodist Church in Granbury following the service for a meal.

Gary was born in Goldsboro, North Carolina to Jerry and Lottie Smith. Gary was raised in Magnolia, North Carolina and graduated from Dunn High School in 1969. As a child Gary enjoyed the beach and playing golf with his family. He loved North Carolina and often spoke of his childhood and Magnolia with great affection.

Gary graduated from North Carolina Wesleyan University in 1976 and was called to the ministry. Gary was a pastor of churches all over North Carolina, Virginia, Louisiana and Texas until he retired in 2014. He married Catherine Ritchie in Fort Davis, Texas on December 20, 1987.

Gary never knew a stranger and was loved by many. He is survived by Catherine, his loving, devoted wife of 30 years. He is also survived by his daughter, Jennifer McNulty of Sandwich, Massachusetts and her husband David; his daughter Elizabeth Quinlan of Cary, North Carolina, and her husband Ken; and his son Clayton Smith of Kansas City, Missouri. “Peepaw” is also survived by his two Granddaughters Meghan and Katherine of Sandwich, Massachusetts.

He is also survived by many dear and close friends – too numerous to mention. You know who you are, and you should know that he loved you.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Albert and his nephew Jeremy.

Gary was a man of many talents and interests. He loved playing golf, deep sea fishing, sailing and reading about the civil war and conspiracy theories. He was a minister, musician, veteran, magician, photographer, publisher, editor, computer scientist, flea circus ring master, and philanthropist.

Gary and Cathy owned and operated the Eldorado Success and are currently the owners and editors of the Hansford County Reporter Statesman.

In lieu of flowers, and in keeping with the spirit of Gary, we are asking that each of you find an act of kindness and “pay it forward” in his honor. If you must send flowers, please send them to the living.

“Today will never come again. Be a blessing. Be a friend. Encourage someone. Take time to care. Let your words heal, and not wound.” – Author Unknown