Gary David Smith, age 83, of Rockaway Beach, Missouri.

Gary David Smith, age 83, of Rockaway Beach, Missouri, passed away on July 1, 2025. He was born to Walter and Ruth (Thompson) Smith on April 28, 1942, in Chillicothe, Ohio.

Gary serviced in the United States Army and was in the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions. After his service, he performed at different rodeos in the West and worked on dude ranches in the Southwest. His passion was his hobbies. He enjoyed SCUBA diving, racing cars and motorcycles; later in life, he started racing RC cars and flying RC airplanes. He enjoyed working in his garage, woodworking, fishing, camping, building models, and was very good at drawing. Gary loved riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle and utility vehicle through rough terrain. He really lived.

Gary is survived by Valerie Wurden, his best friend and love, after 41 years.

No services are planned. Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Cremations of the Ozarks. To leave an online condolence or share a memory, please visit www.cremationsoftheozarks.com.

A special thank you to Branson Dialysis for all the care and support during his last years and to Phoenix Hospice for making his last days comforting.