Gary Alan Smith, 77, of Clayton, North Carolina passed away peacefully at SECU Hospice House in Smithfield, North Carolina on January 8, 2025 after a year long battle with non Hodgkins lymphoma.

Born in Worcester MA, he was the son of the late Robert A. (Red) and Ella F. (Stapley) Smith. He was raised in Holden MA and graduated from Wachusett Regional High School in 1965 where he was very active in sports. He earned a Master’s Degree from WPI. Gary lived for many years on Long Island NY before retiring to North Carolina in 2014.

He leaves behind his beloved wife Barbara Boyce of Clayton NC, three sons: Brent (Kim) Smith of Shrewsbury MA, Jeffrey Smith of Brooklyn NY, Gregory (Nicole) Smith of Port Washington WI and a stepson Matthew Boyce of North Carolina. He also leaves three grandchildren: Colin and Katie Smith of Shrewsbury and Caiden Smith of Port Washington. He is survived by his sister Sandra Smith of Holden, MA.

Gary was an avid New England sports fan, who loved traveling, hiking, golfing, and his family. He will be greatly missed.

A celebration of life will be held in Massachusetts at a later date for family and friends.