Gary attended Fayetteville High School, where he played baseball—an early reflection of the steady commitment and pride he carried throughout his life.
Gary devoted 25 years of service to National Standard. He later served Talladega County Schools as a custodian and bus driver before retiring, offering his time and work with the kind of reliability and care that families and communities come to depend on.
Above all else, Gary loved his family, and they were everything to him. He was known with affection by many names—Uncle Mar, Pappy, Pawpaw, and Poppa Gary—titles that spoke to the closeness he built with those around him and the place he held at the heart of his family.
Gary found deep enjoyment in the outdoors. He loved to hunt in every season, to fish, and especially to hear those dogs run and bark. He raised beagles, and he also loved to travel, carrying that same appreciation for life’s simple and meaningful moments wherever he went.
Gary is survived by his wife, Debra Horsnby-Smith; his sons, Preston Smith, Scotty Royal, and Rodney Royal; his daughters, Angie Whaley (Danny) and Patty Ward (James); his brother, Terrell Smith; his grandchildren, Joey Smith (Sabrina), Travis Whaley (Shelby), Ashley Whaley, Lani Huff (Dewayne), Noah Royal, Rocky McDaniel, and McCoy Ward; and his great-grandchildren, Jacob, Cole, Karley, Kinsley, Kash, Wrenley, Paisley, Jackson, Luna, and Kathryn.
Gary was preceded in death by his father, Clavis Preston Smith; his mother, Elsie Clyde Smith; and his brothers, Chester Smith, Joe Smith, and Clyde Smith.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Curtis and Son Funeral Home, North Chapel, 1315 Talladega Hwy, Sylacauga, Alabama 35150, on October 17, 2026, at 11:00 am.
Final resting place will be Evergreen Memorial Cemetery, 1501 Talladega Highway, Sylacauga.
The family extends special thanks to Dr. Khdair and his staff, Amedisys Home Health, Amedisys Hospice, and the second floor of Coosa Valley Medical Center. We could not have done it without all of you.
ROLL Tide!!!
