Remembering Stacey Smith

It is with heavy hearts we share that our beloved President, Stacey Smith, has passed away. Stacey was a devoted wife, a loving mom, a caring sister, a cherished daughter, and a dear companion to many. Her incredible, lasting impact resonates far beyond the walls of GameGuard. 

Devotion and dedication are two defining characteristics of Stacey Smith's life. From her ability to problem solve and harness a keen eye for detail, the growth of GameGuard can be attributed to Stacey's unwavering commitment to building the business. Though the impact of her work is woven into the fabric of GameGuard's culture, Stacey would undoubtedly attribute her success to the work of Christ throughout her life.  

Stacey never viewed a problem as an impossible obstacle but an opportunity to find a solution. In every circumstance, Stacey maintained a tenacious approach to overcoming the challenge of succeeding in the apparel industry through consistent adaptability while keeping unwavering faith. With every opportunity, Stacey perceived and crafted a more excellent vision to glorify God beyond reliance on materialistic crutches. Even in one of the most challenging industries, Stacey maintained her core ideal that we must "Keep the Faith." 

Through the growth of GameGuard, Stacey emphasized the importance of stewarding all God has given well. Through the vision of Stacey and Craig, GameGuard is built on Godly principles. Stacey's leadership propelled GameGuard into one of the industry's most successful outdoor lifestyle brands and, after 20 years of unprecedented success, proves that fulfilling the vision of the Lord serves a greater purpose. There is no greater example of this than the unparalleled resources Stacey and her husband Craig have allocated toward supporting many nonprofit causes. Children, families, underprivileged, and oppressed people throughout the world found love, support, and courage in Stacey's life through the work of Christ. The greatest representation of this is Stacey and Craig's impact in India. 

While traveling to India on business, Stacey noticed how many girls' homes were left uncared for, often housed with little to no resources such as medical attention, a sanitary environment, or clean running water. Left heart sick regarding the conditions many young girls were experiencing, Stacey wondered how she could help. As Stacey put it, God put a "burden on our [Stacey and Craig's] hearts and, very quickly and very clearly, answered our fervent prayers."  

As a result, Stacey championed Grace House India. Grace House has provided over 40 girls with safe housing, access to education, nutrition, medical treatment, and life-altering hope presented in the Gospel of Jesus. Girls at Grace House have a reliable place to call home, have opportunities rarely afforded to girls in their community, and have become integral parts of the hope abounding in India. The faithfulness of Stacey to humble her heart halfway across the world has brought hope and life-changing joy. 

To comprehensively summarize the life of Stacey Smith is impossible. We could write innumerable paragraphs about all she accomplished, and the above merely scratches the surface. Her work in outdoor apparel was revolutionary, her impact in marketing outdoor lifestyle continues to be replicated as the standard, and her generosity toward others continues to impact lives worldwide. However, in all that Stacey accomplished, there has been no greater accomplishment than her impact on the lives of others, not least of which was her family. Her love and care for husband, and sons Brody [Michella], Tucker, Ty, and Tate, and daughter Kasie [Taylor], as well as her grandkids Ford, Foster, Lincoln, and Layla have radiated throughout all that know the Smith family. Stacey's impact and legacy will continue through the thousands of lives she has impacted.  

In all that she accomplished and the traits that made her uniquely Stacey, there was nothing more significant in her life than what Jesus Christ did to save her and all of us from our sins. Without a doubt, Stacey kept the faith throughout all she did; indeed, her faith will end in victory.  

The Smith family is planning a celebration of life for Stacey in the spring. We ask for prayer for Stacey’s husband Craig, her sons Brody [Michella], Tucker, Ty, and Tate, daughter Kasey [Taylor], grandchildren Ford, Foster, Lincoln, and Layla, and the entire Smith family during this time. If you would like to join us in honoring Stacey's memory, we kindly ask that you donate in her honor to Grace House India.