Gary Ivan Smallwood, age 83, passed away April 2, 2026, at his home in Custer, KY with his loving wife of 64 years at his side. He was born on November 14, 1942, son of the late Herbert Ivan and Pauline Bennett Smallwood of Breckinridge County, KY. He was an active member of Hudson Community Church, where he participated as Administrator and Adult Sunday School teacher for many years. After many years as owner and operator of an HVAC business in Florence, KY, Gary returned to his roots in Breckinridge County and retired after many years of farming. His love for all things outdoors was evident to all that knew him for his seemingly untiring affection for hunting, fishing and farming. He never met a stranger and loved spending time with his friends and family sharing the love he had for life.
His nickname of “Big Dad”, which was given to him by close friends and family within the community truly reflects the big heart he had for all that knew him.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother Raymond Smallwood and his grandsons Aaron Michael Smallwood and Kenneth Dale Smallwood.
Gary is survived by Dorothy McCamish Smallwood, his loving wife and constant companion of 64 years.
3 sons: Michael Smallwood (Cindy) of Cecilia, KY; Kenny Smallwood (Gayle) of Hudson, KY and Robby Smallwood (Tracy) of Brandenburg, KY
Brother: Ricky Smallwood (Judy) of Rineyville, KY
Grandchildren: Bobby and Brittany Drane, Stephanie Smallwood, Donna Smallwood, Keilana Cargo, Lauren and Tyler Bowlin, Roscoe and Audrey Meeks, Olivia Adkisson, Chad and Ethan McCamish.
Great grandchildren: Skylar, Waylon, Jaiden, Aaron, Emma, Peyton, Scarlett, Dalton, Logan, Braxton, Waylon, Levi, Charlotte, Sloan, Avery and Autumn.
2 great-great grandchildren: Taytum J and Delilah.
Funeral services will be held at Hudson Community Church on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 11 AM with burial in the Custer Cemetery in Custer, KY. Visitation will be held at the church on Monday, April 6, 2026, 4:30 – 8 PM and Tuesday, 9 – 11 AM. All times are central.
Gary loved children and caring for their needs, so to honor him, his family requests expressions of sympathy be made to Kosair Charities or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.