Garry L. Smith, beloved "Pops" on reality TV show DOG THE BOUNTY HUNTER, A&E´s number one rated series of all time, passed away Tuesday, February 28, 2006 at approximately 5 AM in his home town of Denver, Colorado, due to complications from Diabetes and Heart Disease.
The future father-in-law to world famous bounty hunter Duane "Dog" Chapman, and the real life father of Dog´s wife, Beth Smith, Garry had appeared on their show and had gained a following of his own. Fans across the globe wrote in to DogTheBountyHunter.com wishing Garry well upon notification of his illness. The 6´4", 250-pound man was a lovable All-American father figure and an ex-professional baseball player. Dog and Beth had named their son ´Garry,´ in his honor. When an email was sent a few months ago via the website´s fan mail system that Garry´s health was failing, thousands of fans from across the world wrote in to express their concerns. "Those cards and letters gave him more strength than anyone can imagine," said Beth Smith, "they meant the world to him."
Garry L. Smith, a former baseball player, played on the Kansas City Athletics as a first baseman. He was raised in Joplin, Missouri and spent his life after baseball as a professional Bail Bondsman. He is survived by: five children, fifteen grandchildren and six great grandchildren. There will be a funeral today, Monday, March 6 at 11 AM at the Horan and McConaty Funeral Services, 3101 South Wadsworth Boulevard, Lakewood, Colorado 80227.
