Gary Young

Gary Wayne Young passed away on July 24, 2026, at the age of 59, leaving behind a family who loved him deeply and a lifetime of memories that will continue to bring smiles through tears.

Nothing brought him greater joy than the people he called family. Gary was the proud father of three children, Jenni (Carl), Taryn and Tyler. He was also a devoted grandfather to Corbin, Calen, Carley, Lexi, Kenzlynn, Khalani, Kellen and Bellamy, and was blessed with a great granddaughter Marceline. He is also survived by his loving mother Leola Young, his brother James Young, and his sister Christy (Dennis) Wisdom, and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, James Young, his brother, Dickie Young and his nephew Brian Young.

Gary had a personality that was unmistakably his own. He loved Taz, Kiss, and an ice-cold Dr. Pepper. If it had a good beat, chances are he was enjoying it. Those little things became part of who he was, but they were never what defined him. What defined Gary was the way he loved the people around him.

He never pretended to have all the answers, but he would always sit with you and listen. Then, together, he would try to help you find them – no matter how long it took or what time of day it was. You rarely left a conversation with Gary empty-handed. You left with a story, a laugh, and the comforting reminder that someone cared enough to listen.

Gary will be laid to rest with his father, James. For those who knew him best, there simply is not anywhere else he would have wanted to be. His absence leaves an immeasurable void, but the lesson he taught, the laughter he shared, and the love he gave so freely will continue to live on in the hearts of everyone fortunate enough to know him. Though we say goodbye for now, Gary’s story does not end here. It lives on in his family, in the memories we tell, in every song with a good beat, every can of Dr. Pepper, every incoherent rambling of the Tasmanian Devil, and every act of kindness inspired by the man he was. If you knew Gary, you knew that family always came first. We find comfort in believing that today he is exactly where he would want to be: Going home to his father.

A memorial visitation will be 6:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, 404 W. Dewitt Henry Dr., Beebe. Online guest book at www.smithfamilycares.com