Gary Jan Smith

Gary Jan Smith, 78, of Pampa, died Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2014, in Pampa. Services will be at 2:00 PM Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014, at Briarwood Church with Rev. Lynn Hancock, pastor, and Rev. Keri Smith, of Waxahachie, officiating. Burial will be in Memory Gardens Cemetery under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors. Mr. Smith was born Sept. 5, 1936 in Breckenridge, Texas to William Durward and Annie Juanita Johnson Smith. He moved to Pampa as an infant and had been a lifelong resident of Pampa. Gary served in the U. S. Navy following the Korean War. He married Edna L. Goodner on Sept. 30, 1956 in Pampa at the First Assembly of God. Gary worked for Skelly, Getty, and Texaco for 37 years, retiring in 1998. After retiring from Texaco, he worked at the Pampa Wal-Mart as a greeter for 10 years. Gary was a longtime member of the First Assembly of God before joining Briarwood Church several years ago. He and his family were actively involved in a traveling music ministry throughout the Midwest for many years. Gary enjoyed playing his guitar and banjo and reading. He is survived by his wife, Edna Smith, of the home; four daughters, Janet Klein and husband Louis of Houston, Andora Covalt and husband Johnny of Oklahoma City, OK, Sherry Smith and fiance’ Steven Free, and Tamra Smith, all of Pampa; a sister-in-law, Edith Richerson and husband Dale of Fritch; ten grandchildren, Angela, Brian, Cody, Chris, Garrett, Landon, Sarah, Sean, Callan, and Zachary; six great grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Gary was preceded in death by his parents and by a brother, Ray Smith. Memorials may be made to National Parkinson Foundation, P. O. Box 5018, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5018. The family will receive friends from 6:00-7:30 PM Friday at the funeral home.