GARY RAY SMITH

Gary Ray Smith, 69 of rural Queen City, Mo., died unexpectedly at Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville, Mo., September 16, 2016. The son of Asher Ray and Mary Leona (Barnes) Smith, he was born January 21, 1947 in Newark, Missouri. He was a graduate of LaBelle High School in LaBelle, Missouri. On June 24, 2000, Gary was united in marriage to Cheryl Lynn Saulsbury at their home in rural Queen City, Missouri. Gary was baptized as a young boy at the Newark Baptist Church in Newark, Missouri. Gary was a long time mechanic, heavy equipment operator and farmer before starting his career with MODOT Maintenance Crew based in Queen City, Missouri. He retired from there in June 2003. Gary had a passion for farming throughout his whole life continuing after his retirement from MODOT. Gary was a loving husband, father, grandfather, neighbor and friend. He was always helping a neighbor wherever he was needed. All will certainly miss him. Survivors include his wife, Cheryl Lynn Smith of rural Queen City, Missouri; one son, Brian Smith and wife, Leslie of Kirksville, Missouri and one daughter, Janelle Hill and husband, Josh of Queen City, Missouri; four grandchildren, Dalton Smith of Kirksville, Missouri, Brenna Smith of Kirksville, Missouri, Tacey and Jace Hill of Queen City, Missouri; 1 sister, Charlotte Dabney of Lewistown, Missouri; his mother-in-law, Ethel Saulsbury of Lancaster, Missouri; nieces and nephews; other family members and numerous friends. His grandparents, his parents and father-in-law, Tommy Saulsbury precede Gary in death. Funeral services were held September 21, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Norman Funeral Home in Lancaster, Missouri with Sonny Smyser, Pastor of the Schuyler County Church of Faith officiating. Music was special CD selections of “I Cross My Heart”, “The Dance” and “I’m A Piece of Work”. Pallbearers: Dalton Smith, John Kethe, Corey March, Jake Kerby, Todd Greenstreet and Randy Whitlow. Honorary pallbearers: Wayne McGoldrick, Robert Seamster, John Hoffman and Wayne Seegmiller. Burial will be in the Arni Memorial Cemetery in Lancaster, Missouri Memorials have been established for the Arni Memorial Cemetery in Lancaster, Missouri. Online condolences may be expressed at normanfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Norman Funeral Home of Lancaster, Missouri.