Dr. Gary L. Small was born on February 19, 1942 in Palmer, Massachusetts and died
peacefully at home with his loving wife by his side on September 10, 2024.
Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd W. Small Sr. and Irene J. Small. His sisters,
Eleanor and Joan and his brother, Lloyd W. Small Jr.
Gary is survived by his loving wife of forty-five years, Diane Emerson Small. His children: Susan
(Randy) Townsend, Stephen (Bonnie) Small, Sherry Small-Lee, Shaun (Sarah) Small, and
Sonia Small-Wells. His grandchildren: Nathan Townsend, Neal Townsend, Nichole Townsend,
Matthew Small, Megan Small, Marshall Small, Zane Lee, Ryan Lee, Kaleb Lee, Katie Lee,
Keegan Wells, and Olivia Small. Six Great-Grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Gary had a long career that started in Massachusetts at the Springfield Armory, to Florida on the
Daytona Beach Police Department, and to where he finally found his home as an agent with US
Customs. While he worked for US Customs, he was the Director of the Federal Law
Enforcement Training Center in Brunswick,GA. He was the Assistant Special Agent in Charge
and finally retired as the Special Agent in Charge of the Mobile Branch. He earned his Phd from
the University of Southern Mississippi and after his retirement from US Customs he taught
Criminal Justice courses at the University of South Alabama and was active with the Boy Scouts
of America. He worked with his wife at their antique shop, Diane's Antiques, where woodworking
and restoring antiques was one of his greatest passions.
In lieu of Flowers, the family asks that you make donations to either the Alzheimer's Association
or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital in his memory.
His service will be at Mobile Memorial Gardens, located at 6040 Three Notch Road Mobile, AL
36619, on Tuesday September 17th at Noon. The family will receive visitors at 11am.
Reception to follow at Our Savior Catholic Church, located at 1801 Cody Rd Mobile, AL 36695.
February 19, 1942 — September 10, 2024
Interment will be Tuesday, September 17, 2024, 12:00pm at Mobile Memorial Gardens Cemetery 6100 Three Notch Rd. Mobile, AL 36619
