Gary Preston Smith

Mr. Gary Preston Smith, 78, of Advance, NC passed away Thursday, December 28, 2023 at his home. He was born September 19, 1945 in Forsyth County to Pearl Spillman Smith and Elbert Helsabeck Smith. Gary was a member of Bethlehem Methodist Church and retired from R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Trudy Smith McDaniel. Surviving are his wife, Ivey Jo Smith; one daughter, Lora Smith Prater (Jerry); two sons, Dale P. Smith (Cindy) and Steven G. Smith (Jennie); three grandchildren, Preston Prater, Shelby Smith and Chloe Smith; one brother, Eldridge Smith (Lou) and one sister, Gail Smith Gregory (Leonard). A funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, December 31, 2023 at Bethlehem Methodist Church with Pastor Noah LaCoursiere officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends following the service.