Gregory Smith

The world lost a bright and beautiful light when Gregory Allen Smith, 78, was taken from us unexpectedly on May 30, 2026. He passed peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones. Greg approached life with a generous heart and boundless kindness to all.  He had a rare gift for making everyone he met feel incredibly important, seen, and deeply valued.

Greg was born in Billings, Montana, on April 28, 1948, to Francis and Maeona (Weldon) Smith. When he was three years old, the family moved to Greybull, Wyoming, before returning to Billings two years later. He grew up near 17th Street West, which at the time was a gravel road at the edge of town. Those open fields became the backdrop for countless adventures shared with his siblings and friends. They often biked the many miles to the Weldon family ranch in Blue Creek because, in those days, you simply needed to be home by dinner.

He graduated from Billings Central Catholic High School in 1966, where he excelled as a wrestler. He continued wrestling at Eastern Montana College and remained especially proud of the fact that he was never pinned.  In 1969, Greg was drafted into the United States Marine Corps where he was stationed at Camp Pendleton in Southern California. He became highly skilled in orienteering, a tactical skill in navigation. Later he was selected to train at Quantico, Virginia as a close combat instructor before returning to Camp Pendleton to serve as a Drill Instructor. Following his honorable discharge, he worked and attended college in California, before returning to Billings to complete his Bachelor of Science degree in Education at Eastern Montana College.

Greg married his first wife, Susanne Rogers, in 1973 in Billings. Together they raised their three daughters—Andrea, Janna, and Jennifer (Jenny). He began his career teaching and coaching both wrestling and football at Billings Central before moving to Colstrip, Montana where he served as the Program Director for the Colstrip Park and Recreation District (CPRD).

Colstrip became the place where Greg’s passion for people and community truly came to life. For many years, he devoted himself to creating opportunities through youth and adult recreation programs, touching countless lives in the process. Affectionately known as “The Cookie Monster” and admired for his many character voices, he became a beloved fixture in the community.  Greg poured his heart into Colstrip. He was passionate about the parks, the pool, the golf course, the annual Spoil-A-Thon, Hershey Track Meets, Utah Jazz Youth Basketball and Teen Night. More than anything, he believed every child deserved the same opportunity to participate in sports, activities and community involvement—to belong, to grow and to discover their potential. He worked tirelessly to make that happen.  His work in Colstrip was his legacy and that legacy will continue to live on for generations to come. 

His daughters participated in a multitude of activities and Greg was always there—coaching, officiating, volunteering or cheering from the sidelines. He developed a thirty-year love of officiating volleyball and football.  However if you asked Greg what his greatest accomplishment was, he would answer without hesitation: being a father to Andrea, Janna, and Jenny.

In 2007, Greg retired from CPRD and returned to Billings. He married his wife, Julie, and together they built an adventure-filled life. He wholeheartedly welcomed two bonus daughters and their families into his heart.  Retirement never slowed Greg down. He worked for Billings Parks and Recreation and drove bus for the Catholic schools and the YMCA. He enjoyed traveling, golfing, sporting events, cheering on the Montana Grizzlies in Missoula and expressing himself through his artwork. He took great joy in sharing his creative talents with family and friends.

Greg—known lovingly as “Papa”—had a special love and devotion to each of his nine grandchildren. He treasured every moment spent with them. He also cherished the time he and Julie shared at their home in Arizona, which became a gathering place filled with laughter, stories and treasured memories for family and friends alike.

Greg had a deep relationship with God. He was a Benedictine Oblate through Mount Angel Abbey in Saint Benedict, Oregon. He prayed daily and relied on the Lord to guide him through life. His unwavering faith in God radiated through everything he did and every life he touched.

He was a beloved husband, father, papa, brother, uncle and friend whose life was defined by service, faith, generosity and love.

Greg was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Maeona Smith, and his brother, Jackson Pugh.  He is survived by his wife, Julie Smith; daughters, Andrea Smith, Janna (Tyler) Leintz and Jenny Smith (Dane Brubaker); bonus daughters, Lacey (Keith) Weidman and Kendra (Ryan) Allen; grandchildren, Grayson Leintz, Aspen and Adelyn Brubaker, Brenna, Layla and Carter Weidman, and Levi, Rosalie and Jace Allen; aunt Monica Weldon; siblings, Beverly Lindley, Lana (Patrick) Thompson, Frank (Marcia) Smith, DeeDee Kostelecky and Scott Smith; sister-in-law, Katy Pugh; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends.

A vigil will be held at Dahl Funeral Chapel in Billings on Tuesday, July 7 at 6:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Billings on Wednesday, July 8 at 10:00 a.m., followed by a luncheon in the church basement. Interment with military honors will take place at Yellowstone National Cemetery in Laurel at 1:00 p.m.  The funeral service will be live streamed on Dahl’s website under Gregory Smith for those unable to attend.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the YMCA after-school program, 402 North 32nd Street, Billings, MT 59101 or website billingsfamilyymca.org, or to a charity of your choice.

Acknowledgements

A friendly smile, a casual touch, these are the things that mean so much.  To know you are with us in our time of sorrow sharing our prayers today and tomorrow.  God give us the comfort in the form of good friends.  Pray His peace be with you and His love never ends.