Gary Leon Smith - Cremation Society of Virginia

Gary Leon Smith

October 29, 1935 - December 21, 2019

Gary Leon Smith, 84, died December 21 at his home in Yorktown with his wife, Elli, by his side.

Born in Greeneville, SC, Gary graduated from Parker High School in 1953. He attended Furman University in Greenville, SC, and George Peabody College for Teachers in Nashville, TN. Gary enlisted in the US Air Force and attended the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, WA, where he graduated in 1970. Throughout his 30-year career Gary served as an Air Force musician in locations such as Wiesbaden, Germany; Tacoma, WA; Washington, DC; and Langley AFB in Hampton, VA. Among his awards during service were the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 7 Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with 6 Oak Leaf Clusters. He retired from the Air Force in 1991 at the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. Gary remained active in music as an oboist and private oboe instructor for 20 more years. He was also a member of several community and church choirs.

Gary was predeceased by his parents, Jeptha and Ida Smith, brothers, Harold and Joseph, and sisters Etheline, Hazel, Martha, Mary, and Wilma. Gary is survived by his wife, Elli Kalkhof Smith, of Yorktown, VA; his son, Chip Gulbro and wife Courtney, of Huntsville, AL; and his sister Nelle Abel of New York.

By using the Donate button at the top, donations in Gary’s memory may be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association (button at the top of the page) or support of St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Cremation Society of Virginia-Newport News assisted the family with arrangements.

Cremation Society of Virginia

Light a candle Light a candle

Flowers & Gifts

Arrangements starting at $35

Plant a Tree

Gary Leon Smith, 84, died December 21 at his home in Yorktown with his wife, Elli, by his side. Born in Greeneville, SC, Gary graduated from Parker High School in 1953. He attended Furman University in Greenville, SC, and George Peabody College for Teachers in Nashville, TN. Gary enlisted in the US Air Force and…

See Condolences

Elli, I’m so sorry for your loss. Chief Master Sergeant Gary L. Smith was an amazingly caring Band Leader and great musician. He garnered respect throughout the band career field through his competent and calm leadership. He respected band members, and we thought the world of him. As a USAF clarinetist in USAF Heritage of America Band, I was honored to serve with him. After he retired, he stayed active performing on Oboe…although he seemed pleased to have more time to concentrate on bird watching. CMSgt Smith was an excellent oboist. He taught MSgt Janice Bengtson's daughter Oboe until she left for college. Celeste Johnson Frehner is currently the Associate Professor of Oboe at Oklahoma State University and a member of the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra. Celeste holds degrees from Eastman and the University of Illinois...but got her start with her teacher Gary. We will honor the great memories, with the utmost respect for Gary L. Smith. — Peter & Marilyn Forman

So sorry for your loss. Gary was a great guy and always fun to be around. I will always cherish the memories we had together.

Ellie and family I am truly sorry to hear about Gary! I so enjoyed when we were together and his talks. Such a kind gentle man with a smile that lit up a room. My sincere and heartfelt condolences to each of you.

Ellie your husband Gary was always the highlight of our gatherings. His famous line “is this all there is?” (his fish dinner at Pipestem) and his enjoyment of oysters at Smithfield Inn. He’ll always be missed.

We will remember Gary fondly and he will be missed by all of us! You have cared for him in the last years and that should give you peace and comfort knowing he was never alone! Hugs from us, Hicki and Micha

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Elli, Herma and I wish to extend our heartfelt condolences on the passing of your beloved Gary. We certainly will miss him at the Tidewater German-American Society events. Gary was true gentleman with a great sense of humor.

So sorry to hear of your loss, Elli. Gary was well respected by all who served with him, and we all have fond memories of those days. We understand the tough battle he has been through and now he is at peace.

I’m just thankful for all those past annul 604th AF Band Reunions when Gary and Elli could join us. We’ll miss Gary and hope Elli will be able to join us in 2020. RIP Gary. I treasured your long-time friendship.

And so it goes. Another friend is gone. Gary was one of the nicest people I met while being in the AF.

Love to Aunt Elli. Uncle Gary was a wonderful man, very talented, always very kind to me.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.