Gary Wayne Releford
1966 ~ 2020
Date of Death: October 23, 2020
In profound sadness, the staff of Veasley Funeral Home & Cremations, Inc. want to express our sincere condolences to the Releford family. Gary’s earthly temple is now resting in the care of Rowell-Parish Mortuary. Revelations 21:4 says "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death; nor sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away." Be assured that in the days ahead you will surely gain strength from the memories of Mr. Gary Wayne Releford.
Sincerely,
Derrick Veasley ~ Director
Henry Veasley ~ Director
Pastor E.C. Maltbia ~ Chaplain
Gary Wayne Releford was a blessing from God to the late Paul and Esteller Valarie (Brewer) Releford on Monday, August 1, 1966. He was called to take his eternal rest on Friday, October 23, 2020. He was also preceded in death by two children, Gary Myers and Angel Releford, and four siblings, Paul Eugene Releford, Helen Carter, Patricia Mays, and Myra Releford.
Gary was baptized at an early age at Ninth Street Missionary Baptist Church. He attended the Public Schools of Fort Smith Howard Elementary, Darby Junior High, and Northside High. He was a graduate of the Class of 1984 from Northside. He played basketball, football, and ran track at Darby. He was an outstanding outside linebacker at Northside. After graduating, he went on to work for Southwest Garage Door, while tending to the care of his children. Later in life, he became an entrepreneur. His love for landscaping pushed him to operating his own landscaping business. He was helpful in the community, including coaching basketball at the local Girl’s Club.
Gary was a generous, kind, and loving person who loved his family more than anything. Always willing to help anyone in need, he never said “no”. He loved his children dearly and always made sure they had everything they wanted and needed. He also loved his nieces and nephews as if they were his own. His most treasured love was his children and grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all who loved and adored him.
Gary will be forever loved and cherished by five sons, Gary Wayne Releford, Jr. of Dallas, Texas, Preston Wayne Releford, Justin Wayne Releford both of Spiro, Oklahoma, Zion Releford, and Zumaury Releford both of Fort Smith, Arkansas; six daughters, Candice (Roderick) Brown of Dallas, Texas, Kendra (Kendrick) Fisher, Brittany Releford, Zyleria Releford, Zrya Warner, and Za’liyah Releford all five of Fort Smith, Arkansas; his twelve grandchildren; three brothers, Joe Nathan (LuGoria) Releford, Billy Joe (Paula) Releford, Michael Wayne Releford; two sisters, Mildred Releford, and LaDonna Jackson all of Fort Smith, Arkansas; nieces and nephews, many other relatives, and friends.
Public walk through will be held Friday, October 30, 2020 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Rowell-Parish Mortuary 611 North 9th Street Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901 | 479-782-9200.
Celebration of life service will be held Saturday, October 31, 2020 at 11 a.m. at St. James Missionary Baptist Church 4916 High Street Fort Smith, Arkansas 72904 | 479-782-5756.
Committal service and final resting place will be at the Oak Cemetery Fort Smith, Arkansas.
