Gary Lee Smalt Sr.

Gary married his high school sweetheart, Pamela, and the two shared 58 memorable years of marriage until her passing. Their love and devotion created a strong foundation for the family he cherished deeply.

A dedicated and hardworking man, Gary spent 56 years as a Teamster truck driver for Rocket Transportation. He took great pride in his work and was known for his strong work ethic, reliability, commitment and always going above and beyond.

Gary was a member of All Saints Lutheran Church and cherished the friendships he made there. In his free time, he was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing and hunting with his kids and grandkids. He was also a fan of hockey, especially the Detroit Red Wings. He was a great mechanic and won many trophies drag racing his Oldsmobile 442. Gary also found joy in cooking the perfect steak, ribs and deep fried pork chops.

Gary loved telling engaging life stories and had many, making people laugh. While he always claimed he couldn’t sing, he still loved music and never missed a chance to enjoy it. He adored his dog, Elsie Mae, and loved his evening rides with her. He took great pride in being a jack of all trades. A self-taught handyman, Gary could build or fix anything. He was meticulous, neat, and always kept himself busy, rarely sitting still. Gary was a man who stood firmly by his morals, worked hard, and treated others with respect.

Gary was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Pamela Smalt; his parents, Francis Smalt and Alberta Beam; and his sister, Janice.

Left behind to cherish his memory are his children: Gary Smalt Jr.; Barbara (Steve) Derwich; Guy (Jody) Smalt; and Andrea (Jeffrey) Jones. He was a proud grandfather to Bret Smalt; Kellie (Travis) Richards; Riley (Jessica) Derwich; Holly Derwich; Gavin Derwich; Triston Smalt; Trinity Smalt; Griffen Jones; and Emery Jones. Gary was also blessed with great-grandchildren Ivy Richards and Nova Richards, with another baby girl on the way. He also leaves behind his sister, Linda.

Visitation will be held Sunday, March 15, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Gorsline Runciman Ball Dunn Chapel, 621 South Jefferson, Mason, MI 48854.

A funeral service will be held Monday, March 16, 2026, at 11:00 AM at All Saints Lutheran Church, 720 W South St, Mason, MI 48854, with visitation beginning one hour prior to the service. A memorial luncheon will be held at the church following the service.

Burial will take place later that same day at 2:30 PM at Oakland Hills Memorial Gardens, 43300 W 12 Mile Rd, Novi, MI 48377.

Memorial contributions may be made to All Saints Lutheran Church.