”Big” Gary Lee Smelser, 60, of Front Royal, Virginia passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, December 16, 2021.
Big Gary was born on May 18, 1961 in Front Royal, Virginia to the late Lee and Irene Smelser.
Big Gary was happily married to the love of his life, Lisa Boyd. They enjoyed 40 plus years together.
Big Gary’s biggest achievement was the family he created with Lisa – his son “Little” Gary (Emily), daughters Kristen (Shawn), Becky (Griff) and his grandchildren Shawnee, Allie, Brody and Marley “Monkey”.
Big Gary marched to the beat of his own drum, he was one of a kind and he truly never met a stranger.
He didn’t take life too seriously and was sure to always find a way to make you smile; he was a big kid at heart. He loved his snacks in his pockets and a good beach trip with his family ..
He loved to fish, venture to flea markets and yard sales with His Lisa, sit on his front porch playing with his grandkids and socializing with anyone else who walked by.
He was a hardworking man, as an avid tree climber for 20 plus years and his career at Family Dollar Distribution center.
Big Gary was also survived by his brother (Best friend) Mike, sisters Faye, Wanda “Gaye”, and many other half brothers and sisters. He was preceded in death by his sister Connie
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 from 11 A.M. to 12 P.M. and the service will follow immediately after at Maddox Funeral Home, 105 West Main Street, Front Royal.
Fly high Dear Gary. You will always be remembered with love & smiles. You sure left a heart print in so many people. What a great picture. You will be so missed. Love you my friend. ❣️🙏✝️
My prayers go out to Lisa, her children & Grandchildren. May GOD comfort you & hold you tight through the coming days. I love you all so much like my own. 🙏✝️♥️♥️♥️♥️✝️🙏
Our sympathy and prayers are extended to his family.
Gary will be deeply missed, he was one of a kind. Always had that smile on his face, always had a joke or story to tell you. He loved life and he lived it to the fullest.
Big Gary you will missed so much!!!
Gary will be missed. He was taken from us way, way too early. We didn’t know him that long, but long enough to know that he was a giving person, put others beforehand him, was a loving husband, father, and Paw Paw. He always had a great attitude everyday and he never missed a beat. He was his own person and didn’t care what others thought or said. He was a true human being that loved everything and everyone around him. He was like a brother and friend to me. He will definitely be missed.
I’m Sorry for your loss. I worked with Gary at Wilson tree in city he was a hard worker and always made us laugh God Bless
-spitlerstacey00@gmail.com
I really liked him lot he was a good guy 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
R.I.P. Gary, God got another angel up in heaven when he took you home. Jimmy Linda Tammy Pomeroy