Gary Edgar Smalley

Gary Edgar Smalley of Stroud, Oklahoma entered into eternal rest with Jesus on Friday, Feb. 11, 2022, at the age of 60 years. Gary was born on March 7, 1961, in Cushing to Edgar and Aleta (Walker) Smalley.

Gary graduated from Stroud High School with the Class of 1979 even though classes before and after claimed him as one of their own. He then attended almost every university in the State of Oklahoma before eventually receiving his bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond.

Gary married Lisa (Shields) Smalley on Feb. 6, 1987, at the First Baptist Church in Stroud. Together they had two sons, Casey Edgar and Baker Ross. Gary held down many jobs over the years, but he worked alongside his dad in various business ventures. They owned and operated the Texaco Gas & Convenience Store on the corner of Highways 99 & 66 for several years. Together they operated the Ranch House Restaurant at the Best Western in Stroud when it was under the ownership of Steve and Julie Bivin. From this venture a lifelong friendship between the two families was formed. Gary owned and operated Papa’s BBQ in Chandler before settling on a truck driving career. He and his wife, Lisa, were team drivers at the time of his death.

Gary did everything with passion. He loved writing songs, putting stories he told to music, music jams around the fireside with friends and family, coaching football and baseball, fishing and cooking, especially cooking. He was an unpretentious guy who had an infectious laugh. He was a homebody, a mama/daddy’s boy. Gary asked Christ into his life as a small boy and his faith never wavered. He fought to stay on track spiritually, but it was a goal he continually embraced. Gary’s biggest blessing in his life was his family. He didn’t care how far down the family tree you were, he claimed you as one of his relatives. His family will miss him dearly. He put the fun in family.

Gary was preceded in death by his father Edgar Noel Smalley.

Survivors include his wife Lisa and son Baker, both of the home, son Casey and wife Eden and grandson Stetson ,of Lebanon, Tennessee; mother Aleta Smalley of Stroud; sister Diana Reed and husband Larry, of Tulsa, brother Bruce Smalley and wife Ronita and nephew Josiah ,of Luther, nephew Jason Smalley and wife C’Anne, of Stroud, niece Barbie Bahner and husband Drew ,of Oklahoma City, cousins Ronnie Baker of Stroud and Tommy Miller, of Henryetta; four great-nephews, one greatniece along with many other cousins and extended relatives and many dear friends.

The funeral service honoring Gary’s life will begin at 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 18, 2022, at Stroud First Assembly of God with Pastor Jeromye Jackson officiating. It may also be viewed live on their Facebook page. Burial will follow at Stroud Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Town Talk Project Bugle Boy. This project was Gary’s idea and dream for Stroud.

A public viewing will be held from 1 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, February 16, and 9: a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, February 17at Parks Brothers funeral chapel, Stroud.

Care services are provided by Stroud Parks Brothers Funeral Service. Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.parksbrothers.net or