Mr. Gary Howard Smith, 66 of Gulfport, MS departed this life after an extended illness on March 1, 2017 at Ocean Springs, Hospital. He was born February 23, 1951 in Moss Point, MS and spent most of his life in Jackson County. Gary was a 1969 graduate of Moss Point High School and shortly thereafter, his love of music and his expertise as a drummer took him to Nashville, TN where he became a member of the Nashville Association of Musicians, Local 257. This enabled him to expand his musical capabilities into the realm of professional music but his love for family and friends later brought him back to the Mississippi Coast. He then spent many of his years as a commercial driver for various construction establishments in Jackson County. While musically talented, Gary will always be remembered for his vibrant sense of humor and the many kind deeds he gave to family, friends and others.
Gary was preceded in death by his son, Gary Howard Smith, Jr., his father, Howard William Smith of Moss Point, his maternal grandparents, Oscar and Nina Martin of Moss Point and Everett & Lola Smith of Pascagoula.
He is survived by his daughter, Melissa (Bubba) Saxton; and a son, Jason Smith, all of Yazoo City, his mother, Mary Martin Smith of Pascagoula, two sisters, Paula (F.A.) Ellis of San Antonio, TX, Debbie (Ken) Steiner of Pascagoula, MS. His grandchildren; Trey, Tristan and Gracey Saxton, Jacob and Alivia Smith all of Yazoo City; and nieces and nephews, Julie Craig, Susanne Cuevas, Anthony Ellis and Jonathan Ellis.
A visitation will be held Sunday March 5, 2017, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Holder-Wells Funeral Home Moss Point, MS, the funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM in the funeral home chapel with Reverend Wendell Stork and Reverend Richard Cruise officiating. Pallbearers will be Kyle Craig, F. A. Ellis, Jonathan Ellis, Greg Smith, Steven Martin and Mike Burrows.
Interment will follow at Griffin Cemetery in Moss Point, MS.
To send condolences you may view and sign the online register book at www.holderwellsfuneralhome.com .
Holder-Wells Funeral Home in Moss Point, MS is in charge of arrangements.