Garrison "Gary" L. Smith

Gary was born on August 27, 1948, the hottest day of the year in Toledo, Ohio. During his youth, he and his younger brother, Jay, were sports oriented but hooked on baseball. Gary played baseball from youth through Wilmington HS (Conference Champions) and continued at Eastern Illinois University. His favorite sports teams were the Detroit Tigers, Chicago Cubs, Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears, Buffalo Bills, Notre Dame, Ohio State and U of Illinois.

While attending Eastern Illinois University, he got the aviation bug. He was accepted into the USAF for pilot training in Laredo, TX. Thus started his long aviation career.

Gary first served at Offutt AFB, NE in 1973 with the 55th SAC Reconnaissance Wing. This is where he met and married Patty Siravo, in 1975, 50 years ago. Eielson AFB, outside Fairbanks, AK was next where he flew from Shemya, in the Aleutian Islands, known as "The Rock" which required landing expertise enjoyed by very few pilots. Then back to Offutt at SAC Headquarters as a Reconnaissance Specialist, where the motto was "The Sun never sets on the Fighting 55th". Next Gary was off to Greenville, TX with E Systems as Chief of Flight Test.

Gary’s dream job occurred in 1987, when he was selected to fly for the 89th MAW (Special Air Mission). This is for Presidential Support out of Andrews AFB, MD. He was privileged to fly former Presidents, First Ladies, the Cabinet and Congress and Heads of States world wide. After retiring from the military (Oct 1990), he flew for America West, World Airways, USAir and American Airlines. He retired in August 2013 after a stellar 43 years of flying.

His generosity and servant heart never wavered. Gary became a volunteer driver for the VA Hospital. He was honored to meet each Veteran and to listen to their life story. He was recognized as the Driver of the Year. Later he and Patty became instrumental with volunteering for The Recovery Café AZ. Gary became a Barista, a job he loved. Gary's objective there was to help change someone’s life for the better...one cup of Espresso at a time.

Gary and Patty have always been service oriented with active volunteering in the many communities where they lived.

Pets have been a huge part of their lives. Their 4 legged “kids” either showed up on their doorstep or were adopted; St. Francis is one of their Patron Saints.

Gary was preceded in death by his father, Clyde T. Smith (66) and mother, Maryanne Chor Smith (101).

He is survived by his wife, Patricia A. Siravo Smith, AZ; his brother Jason W. Smith (73) (Kay), Conway, AR; nieces Taylor B. Smith Madar (Cade), AR and Susan Siravo, CA; nephews R. Alex Smith (Hailey), AR, Bobby Siravo (Brenda), CA; sister-in-law Patricia McLaughlin Siravo, CA; god children Bobby Siravo, CA, Taylor Smith Madar, AR, Daniel Kasych, KS and Emma J. Menke, AZ and his cousins, David Chor, Darrell, Kathy and Larry Smith, Donna Smith Harrington, Anne Smith, Heidi Smith and Sandy Davis Smith.

A Funeral Service will be held at the Praise and Worship Center in Chandler, AZ 85225 on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 10:00 am PST, and will be live streamed on Facebook (The Praise & Worship Center, Chandler, AZ).

Gary will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery later this summer. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either The Recovery Cafe Arizona by check (2992 N Alma School Rd, Suite 3, Chandler, AZ, 85224) or online https://www.zeffy.com/donation-form/donate-to-make-a-difference-9027 or Soldiers Best Friend (soldiersbestfriend.org).