Gary R Smith

Gary R. Smith, 79, of Ponca city Oklahoma went to be in the loving arms of the Lord on Friday, April 3, 2026, at the VA hospital in Oklahoma city.

Gary is survived by his wife of almost 20 years, Amy Smith. Decades of blissful and prosperous union travelling, dining, drinking and doing fun games. Gary travelled with Amy to most of the US states (except the east coast, by choice), travelled to Hongkong, and visited the Philippines (Manila, Paranaque, Makati, Subic, Quezon City, Pampanga, Laguna, Boracay) more than 6 times (2012-2019). Gary and Amy also travelled to Washington State every year (2006-2011) to visit Gary’s son, daughter and grand kids, from a previous marriage. Gary and Amy also travelled to Missouri and Kentucky to visit his other son from a previous marriage.

Gary was born on February 22, 1947 in Durant Oklahoma to Wayne Smith (+) and Viola Smith (+). He graduated from Ponca City High School, class of 1965. Subsequently, Gary joined the US Marine Corp (USMC) and trained at Camp Pendleton in California. He got wounded three times in the Vietnam war, handling the mortar. Gary was a decorated US Marine veteran, he was awarded three purple hearts as a US Marine Veteran wounded in the Vietnam war. He served in the US Marines for 4 years, 1966 to 1970. Gary attended college on Criminal Justice at the Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa Oklahoma. Gary also secured training and license from CLEET (Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training) for peace officers, private security and private investigators in the state of Oklahoma. Gary was a police officer in Ponca City (1970-1973) and Midwest City (1973-1977). Subsequently, Gary moved to Las Vegas and worked as security for a casino along Tropicana Avenue (1977-1982). Gary then moved to California and worked as Manager of Rentronics RTO (1983-1993). Gary moved back to Oklahoma and worked as Manager of Friendly Pawn in Ponca city (1993-1996). Subsequently, Gary sustained service-connected disease/s as he was exposed to agent orange during the Vietnam war. Gary ventured into travelling via cruises (Alaska cruise, Hawaii Cruise, Europe Cruise, Canada Cruise, Mexico Cruise) and Gary travelled to Paris France to visit his son, who was working there at the time (late 1990s).

Gary is also survived by his three children from two previous marriages: Gary Smith Jr., Dorothy Henry (both from Washington State) and Kenny Smith (from Oklahoma). Grand children: Danielle Henry, Maggie Henry, Cameron Henry (all three from Washington State), Owen Smith, Ty Smith , Nolan Smith (all three from Oklahoma), Great grand children: Kingston, Hudson (from Washington State). Gary is also survived by his older brother Sam Smith, wife Robin Smith, and great niece Anne and Julie, all from Ponca city Oklahoma. Gary is also survived by his dear cousins Bubba Mike King and David A. King of Arkansas. Gary is also survived by his close friends Rick and Diane, Sid and Patty.

The blessing of the remains/ashes of Gary R. Smith will be on April 17, 2026, Friday, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church at 408 S 8th St. Ponca city, and thereafter a gravesite ceremony will be held at Resthaven Sunset Memorial Parks at 1901 E. Hubbard Road, Ponca city, OK. Arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel 2016 N 14th St. Ponca city. Friends, classmates, family and cousins are all invited.