Gary Stephen Smith

Gary was born on March 18, 1946, in Chickasha, Oklahoma, to John Weldon Smith and Billie Joan Damron Smith. The family resided in Muleshoe, Texas, where Gary grew up in a family of pharmacists. His grandfather, Joseph Damron, owned and operated Damron Drug in Muleshoe. Gary learned his way around drug stores as a child and eventually became a pharmacist himself.

After attending Muleshoe grade schools, Gary attended the New Mexico Military Institute in Ruidoso, New Mexico, and graduated from Muleshoe High School in 1964. He served honorably in the United States Army from 1967 to 1970 as a member of the 101st Airborne Division (‘Screaming Eagles’). Gary received numerous service honors and medals, including his combat medical badge.

Gary received his pharmacy degree from the University of Texas at Austin’s College of Pharmacy in 1979. He married the love of his life, Celeste Perez, in 1981, and together they made their home in Austin, Texas, where Gary enjoyed a long career in pharmacy until retiring in 2013.

Gary and Celeste loved to travel after they retired, and his hobbies included photography, backyard grilling, shopping, visiting art galleries and framing and photographing Celeste’s artwork. Gary loved photographing various locations where his wife painted and his greatest joy was assisting her with whatever she needed in her art career. Gary was a member of the Wimberley Valley Art League and the Dripping Springs Art League where he offered much support and enjoyed the activities. Gary’s favorite Central Texas spot to visit was Fredericksburg, Texas, where the couple spent lots of time shopping, visiting galleries, checking out different eateries and wineries and simply relaxing. Gary was always ready for a trip!

Fielding questions from sons Christopher and David made Gary very happy. He gave them advice about cars, tools, and anything mechanical or medical. Christopher inherited Gary’s love of cars and learned how to appreciate and repair any type of machine. David inherited Gary’s love and knowledge of computers and in turn became the expert. Gary also taught David how to safely handle firearms, and the two loved to go target shooting. Gary often gave Christopher and David the best advice on great deals at Home Depot, Harbor Freight or Costco!

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, John Weldon Smith and Billie Joan Damron Smith, and by his younger sister Cindi Colleen Smith.

In addition to his wife Celeste, Gary is survived by his sons: Christopher John Smith; David Adam Smith and wife Staci; Stephen Smith and wife Danee; and Michael Smith and wife Amanda. In addition, Gary leaves four grandchildren, his niece Robin Miller, his nephew Aaron Stallings, and a large extended family of beloved cousins and their families.

Gary will be remembered for his quiet strength, generous spirit, and unwavering devotion to his family. His presence, wisdom and humor will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

The Smith family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at St. David’s South Austin Hospital, who tirelessly cared for our beloved Gary for the many weeks throughout his illness

A visitation for Gary will be held Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home, 6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, TX 78749, followed by a memorial service at 12:00 PM.