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Gary "Bubba" Smith, 56, died June 28, 2021, at HaysMed, Hays, Kansas.  He was born June 24, 1965, the son of Gary Dee and Janice Marie (Cates) Smith.  Bubba graduated from Hoisington High School in 1983.

On June 4, 1994, he married Dee Ann Smith in Great Bend, Kansas. She survives.

A lifetime Hoisington resident, Bubba worked in many aspects for City of Hoisington for 22 years and was most recently the foreman for the Water and Sewer Department. He also enjoyed working part time at the Liquor Box.  Previous to his job with the city he worked as the assistant warehouse manager for Orschelon's Farm and Home.  He was a union steward for the former IBEW Chapter 304.

Bubba's love for sports and his daughters led him to be involved in many coaching positions, whether it was the Western Kansas Football League or Rec Leagues for basketball, softball, and kids wrestling he loved it all. He also loved being part of the HHS chain gang for the football games, although he wasn't able to yell at the games.  Being part of the pit crew with Bullard and Ward Racing at the dirt tracks was also something he enjoyed.  At Christmas time there were many families that he would visit in his red suit and white beard.  He loved to cheer on the KC Chiefs and Royals and the black #3 Intimidator, Dale Earnhardt, Sr.

He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Dee Ann Smith of the home; and three daughters, Presley, Delaney, and Addison Smith of Hoisington; mother, Janice Smith of Great Bend; brothers, Michael Smith and wife Jo of Great Bend, and Chris Smith and wife Stephanie of St. John; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Gary Dee Smith and a brother, Ricky Smith.

Family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday at the funeral home. Friends may sign the book today and until service time.  There will be no viewing as cremation has taken place.

Memorial service will be 2 p.m., Friday, July 2, 2021, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home Chapel, with Reverend Steven Dezotell. Inurnment will follow in Hoisington Cemetery.  Family would love to have those attending, especially the kids he coached, to wear their jersey or sports attire.

Memorials may be made to the Gary "Bubba" Smith Memorial Scholarship Fund in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS  67544.