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Mr. Gary Preston Smith, 78, of Advance, NC passed away Thursday, Dec. 28, 2023 at his home.

He was born Sept. 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 Co.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Trudy Smith McDaniel.

Surviving are: his wife, Ivey Jo Smith; a daughter, Lora Smith Prater (Jerry); 2 sons, Dale P. Smith (Cindy) and Steven G. Smith (Jennie); 3 grandchildren, Preston Prater, Shelby Smith and Chloe Smith; a brother, Eldridge Smith (Lou); and a sister, Gail Smith Gregory (Leonard).

A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31 at Bethlehem Methodist Church with Pastor Noah LaCoursiere officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends following the service.

Hayworth-Miller Kinderton Chapel is serving the Smith family.