Gary Hugh Smith, born January 19, 1943, in Pittsburg, Kansas, joined the Lord on December 1, 2025. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Hugh Smith and Buna Smith, and his sisters, Barbara and Carol. 

He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Ellen Smith; his daughter, Meredith Milholm of Tucson, Arizona; and his sister, Debbie Goettle of Lynnwood, Washington. He also leaves behind five grandchildren—Jesseca Crawford and husband David of Grandview, Missouri; John Milholm of Kansas City, Kansas; Michael Milholm and wife Kelsey of Fort Campbell, Kentucky; Matthew Milholm of Overland Park, Kansas; and Alexander (AJ) Milholm of Luke Air Force Base in Phoenix, Arizona—along with two great-grandchildren, Tobias Milholm and Atticus Milholm. 

Gary served in the U.S. Army from 1962 to 1965 and was stationed at White Sands Missile Range. In 1965, he began his career with Litwin Engineering in Wichita, Kansas, as a draftsman. When Litwin transferred a team of employees to Houston, Texas, in 1986, Gary moved with them and continued working alongside many of his colleagues at various companies over the years. He retired in 2017 from Wood Group in Houston, where he served as a Civil Structural Design Supervisor. After retirement, Gary and Ellen moved to Buckhorn RV Resort in Kerrville, Texas, traveling the country in their Class A motorhome and enjoying the adventure of exploring the United States. In recent years, his greatest joy came from time spent with friends and family. 

A private service will be held on December 8, with burial at Garden of Memories in Kerrville, Texas. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation or the American Red Cross.

Services with integrity, pride, and honor are under the direction of Kerrville Funeral Home. (830) 895-5111