Gary Dennis Hassett, 85, passed away on Monday, April 24, 2023. Gary was born in Kankakee, IL to Ina N. Hassett and Rennie L. Hassett. He loved and grew up in South Florida and was a graduate of Ft. Lauderdale High School in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. After high school, Gary was drafted into the United States Army and was stationed in Ft. Bragg, NC. Upon completion of his military service, he became employed with the U.S. Postal Service, where he worked 47 years, retiring in 2013. While employed with the Postal Service, Gary won many awards and was No. 4 in the State of TN with accrued sick leave upon retirement. He was a member of North River Christian and Missionary Alliance Church in Chattanooga.

Gary loved life and lived it to the fullest. He enjoyed watching his daughter and grandsons when they competed in horse shows. He also enjoyed rodeos, especially when his bulls were participating. Some of his other hobbies included hiking, fishing and spending time in nature, but above all, spending time with his family was at the top of his list.

Gary is preceded in death by his brother, Roy Hassett, and sister, Janet Hornstein.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Gray Hassett; daughter, Suzanne H. Smith (Jakie); two very special grandsons, Jacob Grayson Smith and Garrett W. T. Smith, all of Shelbyville, TN; two nephews he considered sons, Charles C. Hughes (Angela), Nathan Gray Hughes (Jessica), and sister, Carolyn K. Hassett of Ocala, FL.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, April 27, 2023 at 2 p.m. at Lakewood Memorial Gardens East with Pastor Nathan Williams officiating.

There will be no visitation at the funeral home.

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