The best things in life are the people we love, the places we’ve been, and the memories we’ve made along the way.
Obituary
Gary Willard “Tommy” Smith, born on September 14, 1945, in Ritchie County, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2025, at his home in Waynesville, NC, surrounded by love and family. Gary was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, known for his humor, his fun-loving personality, and his ability to strike up a conversation with anyone he met. He never knew a stranger.
Gary grew up in rural West Virginia, where his roots ran deep. He attended Bridgeport High School, participating in track, soccer, and football. His love for sports continued at Fairmont State College, where he was goalie for the FSC Falcon's soccer team. While there, he met the love of his life, Elaine Yannazzo, from Clairton, Pennsylvania. The two shared a love story that spanned decades, creating a beautiful family and a lifetime of cherished memories.
Gary dedicated much of his professional life to fundraising for universities and non-profit organizations - advancing programs at McKendree College, West Virginia University, the University of Tampa, Eckerd College, the University of Florida, Wheeling College, City Hospital in Martinsburg, WV, ChildFund International (formerly Christian Children’s Fund), and the Boy Scouts of America in Boston, MA, sharing his passion for service and leadership. No matter where life took him though, West Virginia was always "home".
He was an avid golfer who found joy on the greens, whether playing with friends or cheering on his granddaughters, Caroline and Claire, who share his love of the sport. Gary’s zest for life extended to the open road, where he enjoyed the thrill of driving his beloved Corvettes over the years. His first and favorite, a classic 1963 red Sting Ray convertible.
A dedicated member of his community, Gary devoted 30+ years to Rotary Clubs—primarily in Sarasota, FL, where he served as president, and memberships in Martinsburg, WV, and Waynesville, NC. It wasn't unusual to see him delivering food to students in need, cleaning up beaches, or ringing a Salvation Army bell at Christmastime. His commitment to service and fellowship reflected his desire to make an impact wherever he could.
In retirement, Gary could often be found mowing grass at the Lake Junaluska golf course, trying his luck at the casino, heading back to West Virginia for hunting with family and friends, or cheering on his favorite Pittsburgh Steelers and West Virginia Mountaineers.
He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Elaine Smith, of Waynesville, NC; his children, Christopher Smith (Amber) of Valrico, FL, and Whitney Smith of Maggie Valley, NC; his grandchildren, Caroline, Claire, and Jett; a large extended family, the "cuz's", and countless friends who felt like family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Willard K. Smith and Freda A. Smith of Bridgeport, WV, as well as his sister, Pamela VanScoy, of Mount Pleasant, SC.
Gary’s family plans to hold a remembrance gathering this summer in West Virginia, where stories will be told, and his legacy of laughter and love will be celebrated. Details will be shared with family and friends as plans are finalized.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a donation to a charity of your choice or one of the following organizations for which we are extremely grateful:
- First United Methodist Church of Waynesville (566 S. Haywood St, Waynesville, NC 28786)
- Junaluska Community Volunteer Fire Department (90 Old Clyde Road, Waynesville, NC, 28785)
- Haywood Hospice & Palliative Care (13 Haywood Office Park Suite 107, Waynesville, NC 28785)
Gary was known for his quick wit and signature phrases, often sending loved ones off with a playful, “Glad you got to see me,” or ending conversations with a heartfelt, “Love you, mean it.” His memory will live on in the stories, the smiles, and the love of those who had the joy of knowing him.
To Gary, Dad, Pap, Snuff, Tommy — you were truly one of a kind. We are so "glad we got to see you, LYMI."
Sayings
Famous (and Not-So-Famous) Sayings:
"I haven't met a match since superman died."
"Well - that's a deep subject."
"What, are you writing a book? Leave that part out and call it a mystery."
"If you get there first, make a mark. If I get there first, I'll erase it."
"Hello-come-in."
"Out, out, brief candle!"
"Camera-man jingle."
"Bless you, baby-tender-love."
"Kiss my a** and call it a love story."
"I'd like to have two of those."
"How long did the doctor say you had to wear that?"
Gallery
Memory wall
Yes, from Gary’s obit, so many great pictures, and recent comments it is easy to remember how Gary paved a way through life full of family, friends, and fellowship experiences perhaps second to none.
Simply to say it as I remember Gary: “what a great guy”!!
He was the consummate professional in his capacity of our Director of Development, and did everything with a super personality that made friends immediately.
I envied his golf game… hitting basic Topflight balls off the ground on the tee with a 3-wood. No-one else could do that and still score as well as he did.
We followed each other with our moves for a few years. But sad to say we didn’t keep it up.
Always wish we had, not just with Gary, but Betty would say even more so with Elaine!! What a great wife to match the great guy.
And of course 2 great kids, Whitney and Chris , who we followed in family updates as they forged ahead so successfully in their “young” lives.
We miss you all and hope to see you at Gary’s Memorial service in West Virginia.
God bless you all!
Pete and Betty Mulford.
