Gary Lee Goldsmith

Gary Lee Goldsmith, 70, of Arden, NC, passed away on January 25, 2026, at Mission Hospital in Asheville. A native of Asheville, Gary was born on July 19, 1955, to the late Walter Marion Goldsmith Sr. and Martha Marie Goldsmith.

Gary was a man who found his greatest joy in the simple, meaningful things in life. He was an avid fisherman who loved the peace of the water, but nothing compared to the time he spent with his beloved grandbabies and great-grandbabies. His family was his pride and joy.

In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by his domestic partner, Della Lee Shelton; stepson, Nathaniel Earl Shelton; his brothers, William Timothy Goldsmith and Nathan Nathaniel Goldsmith; and his twin sister, Sherry Louise Goldsmith.

His memory will be cherished by his children: daughters Amber Lee Shelton of Arden and Cheryl Youvette Goldsmith of Lincolnton; and son Sean Tristan Shelton of Asheville. He is also survived by his brothers, Walter Marion Goldsmith Jr. (Swannanoa), David Eugene Goldsmith (Candler), Russell Dwayne Goldsmith (Hot Springs), and Joseph Michael Goldsmith (Burnsville).

Gary’s legacy lives on through his fifteen grandchildren: Adriana Leigh Escobar, Kaylee Nicole Escobar, Mia Arabella Escobar, Alaiya Rose Escobar, Camilo Alexzander Cruz, Devon Antonio Zaragoza, Darynn Caleb Danner, Kaidyn Makiah Goldsmith, Sadaisia Rayne Ussher, Aysia RaeAnn Silvers, Anias Harley Cox, Aniyah Brees Cox, Kastillo Xaivier Sutton, Daymien Tristan Shelton, and Anthony Blake Shelton; his six great-grandchildren, Kaylani, Emren, Ella, Evie, Lysander and Thomas; and over 50 nieces and nephews.

A memorial service to celebrate Gary’s life will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Penland Family Funeral Home with Reverend Robert Haynie officiating.

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