Gary Tyrone Smith, Sr.

Gary Tyrone Smith, born on May 23, 1966, in South Bend, IN. Known more affectionately as Gary, he had an unyielding spirit, a compassionate heart, and a sense of humor that could bring a smile to even the sternest of faces. Gary had a lifelong love for kickboxing, karate, and playing the keyboard, hobbies that testified to his character. He was a proud graduate of John Adams High School, class of 1986, and carried his hardworking and diligent nature into his career as a dedicated custodian at IN Tech. Gary’s zest for life and indomitable spirit will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Gary is survived by his beloved son, Gary Jr., and stepson, Jason Carver; his siblings, Earl Paden and Vincent Smith, Christie Cutler all of South Bend, IN,; his god-siblings, Kenneth (Linda) Cutler of Milwaukee, WI, Vernetta Perry, Denise Bowens, Arthur Bowens, Mark Marbley, Tony Powell, and Morris Cutler; aunt Hazel Hudson; his nieces, Sharday Benson, Heather Harmon, Krissy Myers, and Betrice Vance-Roberts; , his nephews, Darryl Brown Jr., and John Smith III, Kenny (Nicole) Phillips, and Craig (Raina) Perry; his sister in law, Donna Aimes-Smith all of South Bend, IN and special friend Susan Powell of Terre Haute, IN. He is also survived by his special cousins, Cherry and Virgie Miller of Chicago, IL, along with a host of other nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents, John Smith Sr. and Vervelean Smith; his daughter, Sierra Smith; his brother, John Jr.; his special friend, Susie Taylor; his grandmother, Eva McCaleb; his uncle, Troy Paden; his nephew, Jeremiah Brown; his godbrother, Barry Perry; his niece, Shiquita Paden; his aunt, Argetha Smith; and his godbrother, Michael Cutler.

A visitation will be held for Gary on Friday, April 4, 2025, at 11:00am EDT at Alford's Mortuary, 1222 Napier Street, South Bend, Indiana, 46601. This will be followed by a celebration of his life at 12:00pm EDT at the same location. We invite all who knew and loved Gary to attend and to share their memories of him. Stories of his life are a testament to his unique spirit, and your presence at his commemoration would be a fitting tribute to a life so passionately lived. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gary Tyrone Smith, Sr., please visit our floral store.