Gary Dean Smith Sr.

Gary Dean Smith was born February 6, 1955 in Tallassee, Alabama to the late Wesley and Julia Mae Smith. He moved to Cincinnati, Ohio with his mother and siblings at the age of 10.

He attended Lincoln Heights High School. Upon completion of school, he participated in several recreational baseball leagues. Gary began his career at Jefferson Smurfit Corporation where he was a dedicated employee for 20 years. He then began working for Sawbrook Steel Castings for 12 years before retiring.

Gary was extremely dedicated to his family and valued protecting, providing for, and encouraging them to be their best selves. He began dating the love of his life, LaVerne, in 1983; although, they’d known each other for many years from around the neighborhood. His pride and joy were his two children, Latrice and Gary Jr. They hold many memories of attending family outings as children such as parks, zoo, circus, etc. Anyone that knew Gary could attest to his admiration for his four granddaughters. He was proud to show off their photos and talk about their milestones.

Gary had a wonderful sense of humor and could be heard cracking jokes. He loved to see people laugh and smile, sometimes laughing so hard at his own jokes he would make himself cry. While he was fun to be around, he was also passionate about giving and getting respect. He was outspoken and loved the opportunity to

debate or share a life lesson.

Gary took great pride in his appearance and looking “sharp”. He enjoyed putting together outfits that matched head to toe, finding the matching sunglasses, and topping it off with his cologne. In his spare time, he enjoyed playing the lottery, watching sports, old western movies, and eating good southern style cooking. Gary had an admiration for pocketknives and enjoyed collecting them. He used every opportunity possible to show off his knives to anyone who would look and listen.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Wesley and Julia Mae Smith; three sisters, Rebecca Smith, Terri Ann Smith and Virginia Smith; and two brothers, James Smith and Stanley Smith.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his significant other, LaVerne Balleau; two children, Latrice Smith (Cecil) and Gary Smith, Jr. (Desirae); four grandchildren, Yakira, Layla, Gia’Marie and Camren (Cami); four brothers, Charles Smith, Wesley Smith, Roger Smith and Ricky Smith; five sisters, Carolyn Smith, Elaine Smith, Maenette Smith, Deborah Smith and Jill Rivers; best friend, Alan Blackwell (Bo); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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