Beech Tree News Network

Gary Guy Smith, 80, of Bowling Green, Kentucky passed away peacefully, surrounded by his three pearls, on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at the Medical Center. The Boyce Community native  was born May 5, 1945, a son of the late Milza Guy Smith and Autie Pearl Holland Smith and was preceded in death by his sister, Doris Pruitt (Bob) and special friends, Dickie McKinney and Jerrod Mills. 

Gary was a graduate of Western Kentucky University holding a bachelor’s degree in Agri-Business. He was the owner of The Bouquet Shoppe for 44 years, where he met some of the best friends of his life. In 1958, Gary became a member of Mt. Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church where he faithfully served as a Deacon, Sunday School superintendent, teacher and song leader.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Sandra Littrell Smith; two daughters, Christal Smith McKinney (Steve) and Monica Smith Elwell (Josh); one sister, Ophelia Forshee (Kenneth); four grandchildren, Austin McKinney, Hannah McKinney (Barry), Jaxon Elwell and Kate Elwell; several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. 

Funeral services are scheduled for 1:00 pm, Monday, February 2, 2026 at Mt. Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church with burial to follow in the Mt. Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is scheduled for 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm on Sunday, February 1, 2026 at Johnson Vaughn Phelps Funeral Home. Additional visitation will be from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Monday at Mt. Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church.