Gary Michael Smith

Lansing, MI

Gary passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at the age of 76. He served aboard the U.S.S. Passumpsic in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. He worked for General Motors, transitioning to Penske AC.C., for 40 years.

Gary is the son of Richard and Marguerite Smith and is survived by: his loving and devoted wife of 54 years, Ruth Smith; sons, Christopher and Kevin (Lori) Smith; siblings, Dick, Bob (Marleen), Patty (Mike) Murphy, and Sandy (Bill) Bannasch; 6 grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren.

Gary was a generous, heart-forward man who loved his MSU Spartans, running, swimming in the Great Lakes, visiting family in San Diego, California, cool cars, and building Legos. Gary grew up in Lansing, taking many memorable trips across the state of Michigan camping with his parents and siblings. Gary was very proud of his state and of the great unsalted lakes of Michigan. He carried on his parents’ tradition of traveling and exploring beautiful and scenic places across the state with his own family through the years. Gary will always be remembered for his talent with his hands, witty humor, caring spirit, and his devotion to family.

There will be a memorial service held 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 3, 2026, at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel, 325 W. Washtenaw St., Lansing, MI 48933. The family will receive friends on Friday for one hour prior to the memorial service at the funeral home. Luncheon to follow at Tony M’s Restaurant, 3420 S. Creyts Rd., Lansing, MI 48917.

“I gotta have more cowbell!!”