Gregory A. Smith

Gregory A. Smith, 88, peacefully passed away on Friday, May 30, 2025. He will be deeply missed by his loving family and the community.

Born in Warsaw, Indiana on August 30, 1936, Greg was an only child born to Raymond C. and Helen A. (Warner) Smith. He worked alongside his parents in the North Webster Mill and Leesburg Grain Elevator Mill. He graduated from Leesburg High School with the class of 1954. He attended North Manchester College in North Manchester for a couple years before joining the U.S. Air Force.

In cadet school, Greg served as a Cadet Corp Leader. He was a radar intercept officer aboard the F 101 Voodoo and flew in fighter jets, sparking his passion for flight and aviation. Greg would be Honorably Discharged with the rank of Lieutenant.

Meeting at work and falling in love, Greg took as his wife for 53 wonderful years, Anne “Laurie” L. Smith, on April 3, 1971 in North Webster. They would welcome seven children. To get away, Laurie and Greg loved going to the Smokies in Tennessee. The couple were lifelong Methodists. Greg sang in the choir, was the head of safety and met any needs as they arose, always supporting the church. He was most recently a member of Leesburg Methodist Church. Greg made sure to instill in his children a hard work ethic, to always do the right thing and to be independent.

He would work for Lyall Electric in Albion (now known as Group Dekko Inc.) in positions involving research and development and quality control. After his retirement, he would proudly join the Indiana Guard Reserves and attain the rank of Major. He was very proud and honored to still be serving his country and fellow comrades.

Greg, spinning off his name, was gregarious. He loved life and lived every moment to the fullest. He would be fun and whimsical yet remembering his military training and was also focused and insanely organized. He enjoyed his full life of flight and aviation, going to the shooting range, racing stock cars, landscaping and driving around while reminiscing in his ’92 Jeep. He appreciated a good restaurant and a social setting. Greg also enjoyed being at home, in the quite of nature with his dogs, Joey and Broonie III.

Being a huge community supporter with a servant’s heart, Greg was very involved in his local town. He served as a drummer of the Scottish Rite, a member of the Kiwanis Club of North Webster, delivered Meals on Wheels, was a Mason in North Webster, helped the ARC of Indiana, helped develop the Animal Welfare League in Pierceton and took the idea to the Kiwanis Club to make it a reality, was very involved in the North Webster Community Center, and volunteered and ran, alongside his wife Laurie, the Kosciusko County Historical Society jail tours.

He is deeply missed by his children: Andrew (Carol) Smith, Teri Smith, Lori Smith, Tami (Paul) Pavel, and Amy (Gerry) Miller; daughter-in-law, Tracy Smith; 16 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren; cherished friends Elaine (Mike) Cook as well as many extended family members.

Greg was welcomed into heaven by his dear wife, Laurie; his parents; and his sons, Steven and Jeff Smith.

Family burial will take place at a later date in the North Webster Cemetery- Mock Addition.