Gary Lee Smith

Gary Lee Smith, 72, of Selah, Washington, went peacefully to join his Lord and Savior from his home with his loving wife Sharon of 52 years near his side on Tuesday, April 26, 2011. Gary was born in Republic, Washington on January 12, 1939 to Dave and Grace Smith.

In 1957, Gary graduated from Stadium High School, in Tacoma, Washington where he later met and married the love of his life, Sharon Elaine Gall, in 1958. It was in the Tacoma area where Gary began his very successful and rewarding career as a builder of quality homes. He was a true craftsman. In the early 1970's, Gary and Sharon moved their family to the Royal Slope area to fulfill his life-long dream to farm and provide their children with a better environment to be raised. To make ends meet, Gary continued his residential construction business in the Columbia Basin area.

Gary's interests included his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, hunting, fishing, and wildlife art. He had great love for animals and always had a family pet throughout his life with his favorite companions being Cookie and Sugar. Sugar was always by his side and was a great comfort to Gary for the last few years of his life.

His love for his children was immeasurable. Gary had a strong Christian faith in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior which he faithfully passed on to his children. He can rest knowing his family has followed in his faith.

Gary is also survived by his mother, Grace Smith; sister, Dixie Fazio and husband George; children: Lance Smith and wife Debby, Lane Smith and wife Katy, Shelly Smith, Kevin Smith and wife Candy, Paulette Williams and husband Mark, David Smith and wife Buffy; grandchildren: Amanda Mohs and husband Ben, Melissa Smith, Chastity Smith, Zack Smith, Emma and Tori Williams, Garrett and Gracie Smith; great grandchildren: Andrew Mohs, and Maddox and Mandi Smith. He was preceded in death by his father, David Starr Smith.

Gary will be missed by his family and friends. He was a wonderful friend, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. His legacy and example as a Christian man will live on through his family and friends whom he touched.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Gary's life will be held on Friday, May 6, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. in New Beginnings Christian Center, 318 W. Northshore Dr., Moses Lake, WA 98837 with Pastor Skip Bennett officiating.

Please visit www.carverfamilyfuneralhome.com to leave a note or message for Gary's family and sign his online guestbook.

Gary's family has asked Carver Family Funeral Home to care for arrangements.