Gary Lyman Smith died peacefully Tuesday May 7, 2024, with family by his side after a yearlong battle with cancer. Born on the Fourth of July 1956 in Walnut Creek, California, he lived the life of a quintessential 70s surfer kid. As a young adult, Gary was an extra in the classic film Big Wednesday (the volleyball scene). He fished offshore with his lifelong friend Lanny.

He received a master’s degree in Geology from the University of Florida where he met his lifelong friend Scott H. Later, he earned his law degree from the University of Alabama and began practicing law in Central Florida in the early 90s. At the beginning of his career, he made many lifelong friends in the public defender’s office including Ken, Mike, Steve, and Scott. Gary then went into private practice for over 30 years. Gary loved boating, fishing, skiing, and home improvement projects such as stonework and woodworking. He loved driving his sports car. Gary was also an avid watercolor painter and even opened a gallery in Indian Harbor Beach, Florida called Paradise Point Art Gallery around 2010.

Gary met Laura in Key West in 1999 where they learned that they only lived a few blocks apart in Indian Harbor Beach. He treated Laura’s then young daughter, Lauren, as his own and taught her how to surf, watercolor paint, and even some woodworking. Gary, Laura, & Lauren spent many of the next 25 years regularly traveling to the Keys, St. John, and Colorado. They all spent time together offshore fishing and boating along the Indian River Lagoon. Gary gave Lauren her first job in the legal field and for 7 years they worked together. This experience is the reason she went on to become an attorney herself.

Gary was incredibly generous to friends and family. Although a man of few words, he could make anyone laugh with his well-timed humor, facial expressions, and his Gary-isms.

Gary is survived by his wife Laura, daughter Lauren, sister Carole and his countless friends.

He will forever be cherished and deeply missed by all.

Private memorial to follow.

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