David Gary Smith, 69, passed away on March 9, 2023 in Salina, KS. David was born August 25, 1953 in Chicago, IL to Gymy-Ann Jackson and Walter Smith. He grew up and attended schools in Junction City, KS.
After graduating high school in Junction City in 1972, he joined the United States Army. He worked as a chef while in the military. Once his duty was completed in 1976 he began working in communications for MCI Corporation. He retired in 2017 and settled in Abilene, KS.
David’s hobbies of golfing, fishing and family were important to him. He also was a well known story teller and avid music fan.
David is survived by son, David Gary Smith, II, daughter Talesha Williams and grandson Zachary Andre Smith all of Ft. Worth, Texas; brothers, Moses White, Earl H. Perkins, Jr., Eugene Perkins, Larry (Diane) D. Perkins, Sr., and Richard (Nancy) Perkins and sisters Beatrice K. Perkins and Stephanie Harris.
Those preceding him in death were siblings, Claudia Jones, Mary Harris, Kim Perkins and James Beasley and grandparents William and Dorothy Harris; and grandson Ramon Smith.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 25 at the Junction City Elks Lodge.