Lester Gary Smith, age 92, was born on October 28, 1933, and he passed away on Sunday, February 8, 2026, peacefully in his sleep. He was born in Piave, MS but had a long life in Pascagoula, MS. Gary Smith proudly served our nation in the U.S. Navy. He graduated from Mississippi State University with a degree in Petroleum Geology. He decided to start his own independent insurance business – Gary Smith Agency. He later got involved in real estate and added Gary Smith Realty. He was very blessed to have a long successful business and was very involved in the community of Pascagoula.

He is survived by his wife Opal Smith, Gary’s two children, Mary Kendall Smith and James Gary Smith & his wife Michelle Smith and their son James David Smith, along with Opal’s children, Kathy Walley, Jay McNeil, Kelly Jones and many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Gary Smith was a man of great Christian faith. He was a great father, husband and he loved Pascagoula.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Charles Smith and Exel M. Smith; his first wife Mary Joyce Smith; their daughter, Mary Angela Lachaussee and their son, James Michael Smith.

A Veterans memorial service will be held at Biloxi National Cemetery at the VA in Biloxi, MS, on Tuesday, February 17 at 10 AM. We ask you in lieu of flowers, please say a prayer for our dad, Opal, family and our veterans. Please contribute to your church or favorite charity if you wish.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, West Jackson County, is honored to serve the family. Please sign the online guestbook, and share memories & photos at www.riemannfamily.com