Gary A Smith Jr.

WHITES LANDING — Gary A. Smith Jr., 41, of Whites Landing, passed away Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020, at his home. He was born April 26, 1979, in Atlanta, Georgia, the son of Gary A. Smith Sr. and Kelley Kubas. After his service as a Marine, Gary worked as an executive chef. One of his favorite places he worked for was Purdue University with the Fraternity Beta Theta Pi. They all loved him so much that they made him an honorary brother. Gary had a unique approach to life that included his love for music, arts, food and the outdoors. He was the most positive person anyone could have met. He woke every day with a smile wondering how he could help someone or the world. He was goofy, fun and great to be around. He impacted many lives, especially his nieces and nephews. They couldn't have had a better uncle to teach them. Most that knew Gary say that life will never be the same without him. Gary is survived by his parents, Kelley (William) Kubas; father, Gary (Tina) Smith Sr.; maternal siblings, William (Tye) Kubas, Sacha (Jay Grimm) Kubas; nieces and nephews, Aerionna, Christopher, Sophia and James; paternal sister, Jessica (Nathan) White and their children; paternal brother, Charlie (Rebecca) Antich and their children; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Gary is preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, James Hulsey and grandparents William and Julia Kubas; aunt, Marilyn (Kubas) Foster; uncle, Jameson Hulsey; and paternal grandparents, Russell and Gail Smith. A Celebration of Gary's Life will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2020, at the Vickery Fire Station, 5076 County Road 247, Vickery, OH 43464. Foos & Foos Funeral Service is assisting with arrangements.