Gareth R. Smith Sr.

Gareth R. Smith, Sr., 79, of Ripley passed away suddenly on Wednesday, July 18, 2018. He was born in Kanawha County on October 30, 1938 a son of the late Guy G. Smith and Della Williams Smith. Gareth proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps. He retired as Regional Vice President of Dun & Bradstreet Corporation in charge of West Coast operations and as a business consultant. He was a life member of the Marine Corps League, VFW, and American Legion. He was also an endowment member of the NRA and an avid supporter of our Second Amendment rights. He was currently serving on the Board of Directors at Jackson General Hospital and was a former Senior Vice Commadant of the Department of West Virginia Marine Corps League and was one of the original officers of Detachment 1065 Marine Corps League of Jackson County and served for years in various capacities. He headed Toys for Tots in Jackson County for several years and was for years the head of the Marine Corps League Honor Guard and Color Guard. He is survived by his wife, Patty Stover Smith; daughter Cynthia Kempton (Curtis) of Arizona; sons Gareth Jr. (Alicia) of California, Stephen (Karyn) Smith of Virginia, and Jeffrey Smith (Karen) of Minnesota; He is also survived by step-daughters Tamara Sarver, Tonja (Vaughn) Anderson, and Tara (Scott) Ellison. As well as 13 grandchildren, 8 step-grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and 4 step-great grandchildren. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Coffman Smith, and a sister, Helen Stinson. He considered it an honor to serve his country as a Marine and his community in a number of different capacities and considered serving others a privilege as well as an obligation. Visitation will be held Saturday, July 21, 2018 from 11 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 1 p.m. Military Rites will be provided by the Jackson County Marine Corp League 1065. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Gareth’s memory to the Calvary United Methodist Food Pantry. Online memories and condolences can be sent to the family by visiting www.waybrightfuneralhome.com