Gary Joe Smith of Durango, Colorado passed away October 12th, 2019 in Mesa, Arizona. Gary was born in Dayton, Ohio on November 25th, 1936, he was 82 years old.
Gary was an avid golfer, skier and football player in high school. He loved his sports. Gary was also a member of the Durango,CO. BPOE Elks Lodge #507 where he also bar tended for a few years. Gary was the manager/coach of the Dayton Chargers girls softball team in Dayton Ohio. He was inducted into the Girls Softball Manager Hall of fame in Dayton, Ohio. His award is displayed in the downtown Dayton, Ohio convention center.
He worked for Delco Moraine NDH for 36 years and retired in 1991 as a procurement analyst. We then moved to Durango, Colorado, a little piece of paradise for us. In 2004 we purchased a winter home in Mesa, AZ. and Gary received the specialized health care he required. We met many new friends especially our wonderful Canadian buddies.
Gary attended Sinclair Community College and graduated with a Bachelor business degree in 1979. That is where Gary met his future wife Connie Damron. We were married in 1988 for 31 years. We have been together for a total of 40 years. Gary was a very honorable man and he loved to tell a good joke as well as give one. He was my rock and I was his as well, I will miss him the rest of my life.
Gary is preceded in death by his Father, Fred Eugene Smith, his Mother, Pauline E. (Bottorff) Smith and his Daughter, Kelly Smith.
He is survived by his wife, Connie Damron-Smith of Durango, CO. and his Daughter, Vicky J. Smith of Coconut Creek, FL.
We are planning a ‘Celebration of Life’ for Gary in mid 2020 in Durango, CO. At that time we will post Gary’s obituary in the Durango Herald newspaper as well as the details of the time and location.
The family would like to thank all of the wonderful people who kept Gary in prayer, supported us, helped us and encouraged us through this difficult time
Reading this I can see how very difficult it is to sum up a man’s life in just a few paragraphs. I would venture to say Gary’s life can truly be defined by the love of his wife and his daughters, his many golf buddies, his buddies at the Elks and his Canadian buddies,eh. He was a great brother in law and didn’t mind putting up with the strong willed Damron ways. It sure is hard to say goodbye. But in truth, I guess it is just a different way to say hello. God bless Gary.
Connie
We were happy to know you & Gary and so sorry to hear of his passing.
Our sincere sympathy
Myra & Russell Scarlett
I will never forget when Gary met Connie, he carried her books for her at college, destiny had a plan in the making as Gary slowly won Connies heart. It was a union that lasted for decades.
Gary told me that Connie fit his mold, and that she made him happy. No words could be truer, Connie was a devoted wife.
Gary loved the desert and the beautiful mountains also, it was the best of both worlds, I’m glad he experienced both places. I think the best part of Garys world was Connie, she was his shining light and never wavered in her love for him…
We are at a loss since Garys passing…but he will always remain in our memories.
Dear Vicki,
I’m sorry about the loss of your father…I know you loved him dearly.
Gary was very proud of you…you could see it in his eyes.
It is hard to convey words during such a painful time…thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Take care Vicki.
Cheri
Connie.
Both Nancy and I enjoyed our Friday golf times with Gary. He was a great friend and golf companion. If he missed a shot he’d always say “ dagg burnit”. We’d always laugh at that. He loved to tell stories about Ohio and Durango. He will be truly missed.
Deepest sympathy
Dave and Nancy
To say that Uncle Gary will be missed is an understatement. He left such a positive and warm impression with countless people throughout his life. I have so many fond memories of him while growing up that I will never forget; going Reds’ games, playing golf, going hiking, trips to Ohio Caverns, and trips to Colorado. My favorite memory is from last summer at the Bar D Chuckwagon in Durango. Hannah, Ellie, Joe, and him laughing so hard at the show that they nearly fell out of their chairs. It was a perfect night and everyone had such a great time with family. I’m grateful that my two youngest kids got to spend time with him and get to know him even better. They both still say that trip was their favorite vacation that we have taken. He will be missed, but never forgotten…
Connie,
Gary put up a good fight and you inspired him.
I will miss seeing him going through Walmart in the motorized cart.
Welcome to my widows club; Skip and Gary may be playing golf at the big gulf club in the sky.
Love, Munchie
Uncle Gary’s smile and kindness is something that’ll always stick with me. In fact, I still have the photo of him playing with me and making me smile as a baby. I think his presence alone was calming. His smile lights up the room and I’m sure it i lighting up heaven!
I would like to thank everyone for your kind thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. I especially would like to thank Connie for taking such wonderful care and her deep devotion to my dad throughout the years. I know at times it was very difficult but you always hung in there and kept my Dad’s health and happiness your number one concern. At an early age my father encouraged my love for sports, especially softball. He led us to many successful victories with his enthusiastic attitude and knowledge of the game. I will always remember and can hear his warmhearted laughter. My sister Kelly and I were so fortunate and blessed to have such a wonderful and loving father. Love you Dad.
Gary was a great brother-in-law. Many good times and memories. How he could dance, we had a swinging time one evening. Gary was a wonderful Uncle. He left two young boys, our sons. With life long memories that they still reminisce about to this day. Was always wonderful to visit Connie and Gary. Gary was thoughtful and always gave a helping hand when needed. God bless you Gary and thank you for the great memories.
Many fond memories of brother-in-law Gary, aka “Brother Smith” in Colorado and Arizona. Gary was always kind, a lot of fun and resourceful. Especially the day he and I, while seeking a place for an early afternoon beer in Santa Fe, asked a stranger for directions to the Elks lodge. Upon arrival, Gary proudly announced that “Brother Smith” and guest were seeking refreshments only to get a quizzical look from a guy working there. We asked for the bar and were “reminded” that it wasn’t open until evening. Seems we had found a “lodge” but not “the lodge” as the directions from the stranger took us to another organization, something we no doubt missed when pulling into the parking lot. Being resourceful, Gary found another place just down the street that wasn’t “the lodge” but sufficient for the intended purpose!
I was saddened to hear of Gary passing. I was blessed to get to know Gary for a season as my neighbor. Gary was a great neighbor and I could see what happiness Connie brought to his life when they were married! Even in just a few short years Gary impacted my life as he modeled kindness for others and a passion for living life. Having the opportunity to see Gary and Connie at their home in Durango, it was evident of their love for the area and making it their home. There devotion to one another was a beautiful picture of what love is to look like. I am thankful for the opportunity I was given to have known him.