Gary Wayne (Butch) Smith, 59, of Buena Vista, Va., died January 16, 2009 at the VA Hospital in Salem, Virginia, as a result of squamous cancer.

Butch was born on April 19, 1949 in Washington, D.C., a son of the late Clayton E. Smith and Marjorie Geneva Taylor Smith.

He attended the Natural Bridge Baptist Church as a child. He was a veteran and served in the Vietnam war.

Surviving are a sister, Linda Smith Plumley of Dickinson, Texas; three nephews: Alvin Plumley (Chip), John Clayton Plumley, and Terey Wayne Dame; two nieces: Cassie Plumley and Krissie Plumley; and a faithful companion of 20 years, Helen Young.

A memorial service was conducted at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, January 27, 2009 at the Natural Bridge Baptist Church will the Rev. Randy Smith officiating.

Butch had a loving, generous heart and will be missed tremendously by family and friends.

Arrangements were handled by the Bolling, Grose & Lotts Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Buena Vista, Virginia.