Gary Lawrence SMITH

SMITH, WILSON, MADDUX, CRIDLER, CRIDLER-SMITH

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:47

March 27, 1946 ---- August 27, 2020

Gary Lawrence Smith, 74, of Shelbyville went to be with our Lord on Thursday, August 27, 2020. A celebration of life service will be held at a future date.

Born in Kansas City, Mo., he was raised by his grandparents in Goldfield, Iowa. He served a total of 13 years in the U.S. Air Force including active duty during Vietnam and reserve time. He earned a BS in economics and master of divinity degrees. As a United Methodist pastor, he served in several churches in eastern Pennsylvania before moving to Shelbyville. While here he served as pastor of Hickory Hill and Ray’s Chapel UMCs. After retiring he became an active member of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Shelbyville.

Gary fell in love with the Tennessee walking horse, helped to manage a mare and foal farm for 10 years and enjoyed both riding and showing. He was a longtime member of the Lions Club and the Order of St. Luke. Other hobbies including sailing and fishing and teaching at Enrichment Fellowship Homeschool Co-Op. Gary loved and served his God and his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence E. Smith and Mary Kathleen Wilson Maddux; and his late wife Carolyn S. Cridler-Smith. He is survived by his wife, Teri; sons, John and Ed Cridler-Smith; four grandsons, Kasey, Issiac, Ethan and Avery; and a large extended family.

Shelbyville Times-Gazette --- Shelbyville, Tennessee
September 1, 2020