Gary Vincent Smith, 70, of Kountze, passed away at his home on June 23, 2011, after a long and courageous battle against cancer. Gary was born December 15, 1940 in Littlefield, Texas to Barton and Verna Lou (Abernathy) Smith. Gary was a retired instrument technician with Goodyear Chemical in Beaumont. He served as a Deacon at the Kountze Church of Christ and was a wonderful example of his faith to many people.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Marie Smith of Kountze; his daughters, Donna Laird and her husband Stuart, Donya McLaurin and her husband Kent all of Kountze; grandchildren, Luke Laird, Katie Laird and Peyton McLaurin; his brothers, Chuck Turner of Honey Island and Scooter Jackson of Illinois.

Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 25, 2011 at Kountze Church of Christ with burial to follow at Holland Cemetery in Kountze under the direction of Broussard’s, 530 W. Monroe, Kountze. A gathering of family and friends will be held on Friday, June 24, 2011 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made in Gary’s name to Holland Cemetery Fund P. O. Box 1974 Kountze, Texas  77625 or Kountze Church of Christ P. O. Box 998 Kountze, Texas 77625.

Gary was one of the last of a true cowboy. He was an avid horse trainer. He instructed many young people in how to ride and taking proper care of their horses. Gary was always ready to share his knowledge of horses and rodeo with anyone who asked. One of his favorite places to be was sitting in the saddle with a rope in his hand. Gary rode away from all of us who loved him to be with God. But to all who knew and loved him, he will forever be our beloved cowboy and live in our hearts.