Gary Clayton Smith, Sr.

April 17, 1951 – April 4, 2018

Posted

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

Services were held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Martins Funeral Home in Granbury. All those who attended were 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 served in the Army from 1971-1972, where he trained to fly helicopters. He attended Pembroke State University, where he was president of his fraternity, Tau Sigma Nu. He graduated from North Carolina Wesleyan University in 1976 with a degree in psychology and was called to the ministry. He attended North Carolina Baptist Seminary from 1978-1979. He later earned a Master of Theology, and a Divinity of Theology Doctorate Degree.

He was a Mason and a Shriner.

Gary was a pastor of churches all over North Carolina, Virginia, Louisiana and Texas until he retired in 2015. He was very involved in the Christian Church (Disciple of Christ), serving on the Regional Committee on Ministry, and heading the High Plains Commissioned Ministry Training Program where he trained and worked with non-ordained ministers for pastoral service.

He married Susan Marie Browder on June 4, 1973 in Emporia, Virginia. 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, MA and her husband David; his daughter Elizabeth Quinlan of Cary, NC, and her husband Ken; and his son Clayton Smith of Kansas City, MO. “Peepaw” is also survived by his two precious granddaughters, Meghan and Katherine of Sandwich, MA.

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, and many dear friends.

Gary was a man of many talents and interests, and although he was a right-hand amputee, it never defined him, and he was a master of all his endeavors. He was a scratch golfer (which he remastered years later after losing his right hand, winning a club championship in Eldorado, TX). He loved deep sea fishing, sailing, and reading about the civil war and conspiracy theories. He was a minister, musician, veteran, magician, mentalist, photographer, prophet, pastor, publisher, editor, computer guru, comedian, songwriter, science and math enthousiest, flea circus ringmaster, philanthropist, and so much more. He performed magic for schools in North Carolina under the name of Gypsy Smith, and later in Texas schools as the Prime Minister of Laughter. He was awarded the Cross and Flame Award from United Methodist Church in 1995 for his work with the Boy Scouts of America. His favorite title, however, was Peepaw.

Gary and Cathy have owned and operated newspapers in Texas for over 30 years, starting with the Eldorado Success, followed by The Devil’s River News. They are currently the owners and editors of the Hansford County Reporter-Statesman newspaper in Spearman.

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