Larry Smith Sr.

The Celebration of Life of Larry Eugene Smith

A  Time to be Born...

Larry Eugene Smith, Sr., affectionately known to many as “Caveman”, entered this earthly journey on September 21st, 1952 to the late Morris "Prettyboy" Eugene Smith and the late Earnestine Borders in Longview, TX.  He was the only child, but raised with his aunts and cousins as if they were his very own siblings.  Family members that have preceded him in death are his maternal granparents, Alvie “PaPa” and Johnnie Mae “Madear” Gaut; his paternal  grandparents, Alonzo "Heck" and Bephfeenia Smith. He is also preceded in death by his special aunts, Joyce Smith-Thomas and Dorothy Smith-Anderson, father-in-law, Lee Flemings and mother-in-law, Goldie “Dear Dear” Flemings; his aunts, Lorene Owens and “aunt/baby sister” Delores Gaut Thomas; his sister-in-law, Tannie Bruce; his grandson, the late Tyquis Devon Smith, his little cousin, Daron “Tiger” Sneed, Jr., and "special cousin/niece" Shelberly Moore whom he affectionately called "Big Baby".

A  Time to Sow…

Larry accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age at St. John Baptist Church in Longview, TX. under the leadership of Pastor Bradley. He was a Jr. Usher and sung in the Jr. Choir under the direction of his mother.  During the latter part of his adult life he joined New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Daingerfield, TX under the leadership of Pastor D.A. Hill where he was a faithful member.

A  Time to Reap…

Larry was educated in the Longview Independent  School District. He attended Mary C. Womack High School and Longview High School where he played football,  baseball, basketball, and was a member of the track team. At his school,  he was voted the most versatile in sports.  Additionally, he played the trumpet in his High School band.  He graduated as a "Lobos" from Longview High School in 1971.  He was also a faithful member of the Boy Scout organization. 

Larry was a veteran of the United States Armed Forces which he joined in 1972. He served his country with pride and honor in Hawaii, Germany,  Kansas, Kentucky, and Georgia.  

Larry married the love of his life, Vicki Marie Smith, on November 25th, 1972. This year, would have marked their 52nd year Anniversary. Out of their union, three beautiful children were born; Latasha, and  twins, Larry and Kischa (Earnestine).  He was a devoted husband and father who loved his family very much.  He especially loved his grands and great-grands.  Upon retirement from the military, he became a truck driver.  He always looked forward to his routes to Georgia and frequently spent time with his children and grandchildren during the summer months and holidays.  He was also a die hard "Dallas Cowboys" fan, lover of Bruce Lee movies and loved old western films.  

Always the life of the party, Larry loved to entertain family and friends.  All of his nieces and nephews, from the oldest to the youngest generation, loved them some "Uncle Larry"!

His favorite pastime hobbies, other than watching football, were reading, swimming, playing dominoes and spades, bowling, and listening to music.  BB KING was his favorite blues artist and he was a big fan of all the Motown hits.  While on the road he frequently enjoyed listening to sermons and poetry.  His favorite spoken word artist/poet and preacher was his very own daughter Kischa (Earnestine).  

Larry had a special love for animals too. He had many pets from his childhood to his adulthood.  Some of his fondest memories involved his relationship with his lab name Samson.  Larry and Samson were like two peas in a pod.  Samson would accompany Larry on the road.  He was very hurt when Samson passed, but he continued to love on animals.  Everywhere he traveled stray dogs would approach him and he would feed and love of them as if they were his own.  He even had a special love for all of his grand-dogs.  He treated them just like the grandchildren with lots of love and treats; JJ and Prince-tay (Tasha); Bella (Jr); Bailey and Chu Chu (Kischa); Julio (Sa'Nethia & Lil'Wayne).

A  Time to Rest…

Larry’s untimely death came to grasp us too soon.  He transitioned forever to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 24th, 2024.

A  Time to Mourn…

Larry leaves to cherish his memories his beautiful loving wife, Vicki Marie Smith, his children, Latasha Denise Wade of Albany, GA; his twins, Larry Eugene Smith, Jr. of Atlanta, GA;  Earnestine Lakischa Smith of Albany, GA; seven grandchildren, Rufus Haggins of Savannah, GA; Sa'Nethia Smith of Albany, GA; Deron "Lil' Wayne" Johnson, Jr. of Albany, GA; Miracle Smith of Atlanta, GA; Imani Smith of Atlanta, GA; Peyton Coleman of Atlanta, GA; Skylar "Papoose" Smith of Atlanta, GA; ten great-grands all of which reside in Albany, GA; Da'Zyriah, Tyquis "TJ", Ty'Von "Duke",  Ty’Hier “King”, London, Tylen, Zay, Deron "D-3"; Drac (scheduled to arrive Jan. 2025); a special niece/daughter, Michelle Bruce of Killeen, TX;  His aunts/sisters, Judy (Larry) Traylor of Quitman, TX and Zora Gaut of Longview, TX; cousin/sister, Cynthia Thomas of Los Angeles, CA; his cousins/little brothers, Jerry Owens, Sr. of Longview, TX and Rex Owens of Longview, TX; his best friend/brother Roy Hurd of Dallas, TX; uncle/brother-in-law, Frank Thomas of Dallas, TX;  as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, church family, friends, military colleagues, and classmates. 

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