Gary "Smitty" Eugene Smith

Gary "Smitty" Eugene Smith, 78 of Billings, Mont. , a wonderful son, brother, uncle, neighbor and friend passed away the evening of April 23, 2017 at St. Vincent Healthcare with his "family" by his side.

Gary was born on July 18, 1938 in Malta, Mont., to Ed and Lucy Smith, joining brothers Duane, Lowell and Curtis. Soon after WW II Gary's father Ed bought a ranch and moved his family there.

Gary graduated from Malta High School in 1956. He joined the United States Army where he did six months active duty training at Fort Knox , Ky., and Fort Ord, Calif., - graduating that program in March of 1960, where he then transferred to the Army National Guard where he was Honorably Discharged in 1962.

Gary then worked with his father until he was 28 on the family ranch, the Bar 33. The ranch was sold in 1966. Gary then worked with his brother Lowell for several years building houses in Malta. He also spent a couple of years "moving dirt" for Earl Slade.

Gary moved to Billings in 1972 along with his parents. He bought his beloved home in 1981 and became the best and friendliest neighbor anyone could ask for. He worked for HCL Equipment for a few years and then Peterbilt. Gary was a 'people person,' he loved meeting all the truckers that came through from all over the country, hearing their stories and sharing a few of his own. Gary retired from Peterbilt in 1990 because of his disability. The following years were spent always tinkering around the house, keeping up his impeccable lawn and just being friendly with anyone who passed by.

Gary loved hunting, fishing, boating and water skiing. He also loved meeting people, and knowing every one of his neighbors and their children. Gary was a man that overcame obstacles in his life that would have impeded a lesser man, but he overcame them and lived his life to the fullest with a never-ending joyous and often times infectious attitude.

Gary wanted to express his thanks to the entire Slade and Hovland family for all of the love and help over the years.

Gary is proceeded in death by his parents Ed and Lucy, his brothers Duane, Lowell and Curtis.

He is survived by his three sisters-in-law - Rete Smith of Billings, Faye Smith of Chino Valley, Ariz., and Brenda Smith of Atlanta, Ga. , and numerous nieces, nephews, and best friend Bud (Beth) Slade of Malta, Mont.

Cremation has taken place and Gary will be returned to the place of his happiest memories