Gary Fielding Grossman, 71, of Henderson, Kentucky, passed away at 8:32 p.m. Thursday, July 6, 2017, at Methodist Hospital.

Gary was more than a farmer, he was a loyal attendant and guardian to the land he loved and worked.

He was abundantly proud to be a Kentuckian and loved UK basketball - from Rupp's Runts to Coach Cal.  A walking sports encyclopedia, Gary also rooted for the Pittsburg Steelers and New York Yankees.  In 1969, Gary and his dad drove from Henderson, KY, to Miami, FL, to watch Super Bowl III as "Broadway" Joe Namath won the Jets their only title.

His passion for boating with friends and family was unmatched.  Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake were two of his favorite areas to play and relax.  Never one to turn down a road trip, Gary traveled to Canada and extensively within North America in pursuit of joy and exploration with loved ones.

Gary viewed his friends as family.  Period.  This is perhaps his greatest legacy.  He overused "I Love You" and would shower others in praise, grace, and genuine concern for their lives and wellbeing.

A fantastic story teller and fond of a joke, Gary communicated in a simple and genuine way that was both beautifully charming and purely southern.

His devotion to Christ was lived out in his deep love for his wife, family, and others.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Fielding and Doris Green Grossman.

Survivors include his wife, Freida; daughters, Michele Blackwell and her husband, Brian, of Sopchoppy, Florida, and Dana Lancaster of Henderson, Kentucky; sons, Shawn Smith and his wife, Rhiannon, of Evansville, Indiana, Chris Smith and his wife, Tara Kay, of Henderson, Kentucky, and Jonathan Smith and his companion, Kim Wilkins, of Henderson, Kentucky; one brother, Alan Grossman and his wife, Pam, of Corydon, Kentucky; 12 grandchildren, Claire Blackwell, Warren, Marshall, Reece, Max, and Olivia Lancaster, Gus Stewart, Alison Willman, Tyler and Landon Smith, Isabella and Sophia Smith; and one great-grandchild, Emmy Lancaster.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Rudy-Rowland Funeral Home.  The Reverend Ted Burke will officiate.  Burial will be in Fairmont Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday and until service time Tuesday at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be Dale and Steve Ashby, Warren and Marshall Lancaster, David Grossman, and Tracy and Chris Green.