Gary Thomas Smith, 36, of Las Vegas, Nevada, died Tuesday, December 20, 1983 at his residence.  He was born in Burke County, January 9, 1947, he was the son of Minnie Mae Wehunt smith of Morganton and the Late Herman L. Smith.

He was a U.S. Marine Corp. Vietnam veteran, and a 1965 graduate of Salem High School.  He attended Las Vegas University and was employed at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas at the time of his death.

Surviving in addition to his mother are a brother, Kenneth Smith of Morganton; two sisters, Mrs. Gary (Wanda) Byrd of Morganton, and Mrs. Larry (Brenda) Reubens of West Palm Beach. Fl.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm Friday at Salem Methodist Church, with the Revs. Clyde White and Fred Tyler officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 7-8:30 pm at Sossman Funeral Home.

Gary was a member of the graduating class of Salem High School 1965.  Gary was a member of the football team 2, 3; and basket ball teams 2, 4.  He was a member of the Monogram Club, Class officer (3) President, Annual Staff (4) (layout editor); Senior Superlative "Best Looking" and FFA 1,2