Gene “Tuff” Smart, 83

Gene “Tuff” Smart, 83, of Gainesville, died peacefully at home July 1, 2024. Services will be private. 

He was born April 30, 1941, in Gainesville to Maggie Smart. On Aug. 8, 1964, Gene married Julia Harden. They spent 59 years together until her death on Oct. 18, 2023. 

Gene served in the Army at Fort Leonard Wood and was in Korea. He was a skilled mechanic for everything from chainsaws to tanks. He worked at Isabella Ready Mix for many years. 

He was a devoted husband who truly loved spending time with his family. He especially loved when the grandkids would come visit. His favorite pastime was cutting wood, hunting, fishing, gardening and going to as many yard sales as possible. Gene lived up to his nickname “Tuff,” 100 percent. He will be dearly missed by many family members and friends.

Gene is survived by his sisters: Norma Morrison of Gainesville and Shirley Lee; sons: Bobby Smart and wife Rachelle of Gainesville, and Buddy Smart and wife Stacey Baker of Gainesville; grandchildren: Deann Smart of Gainesville, Alexandra Smart of Gainesville, Maggie Meyers and husband Chance of Omaha, Arkansas, Mollie Smart of Gainesville, Kyle Smart and Jennifer King of Gainesville and Dylan Smart of Washington state; great-grandchildren: Aiden Bohannon, Ellie Meyers, Maddie Meyers, Presley Meyers, Julia Smart, Savannah Smart and Freyja Smart; and many nieces and nephews.

Gene was preceded in death by his wife Julia Smart; mother Maggie Smart; and sister Rosie.

Arrangements are under the direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville.