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Larry Smith Obituary
Lawrence A. Smith Jr, born April 20, 1940 passed away peacefully February 12, 2017 surrounded by his loving family in Pasadena, Texas. He was born to Lawrence A. Smith Sr. and Lottie Marie Tucker in Frederick, Maryland.
Lawrence co-founded Chemical Process and Production in 1972. He was also one of the co-founders of Chemical Research & Licenses in 1977 where he worked until retirement. He was awarded Inventor of the Year for Houston, TX in 1994 and for Texas in 1996. He also served in the Army Reserves from 1960 to 1966. He was an extremely charismatic man and took pride in his professional accomplishments. He also loved to dance and reminisce about his track career.
Lawrence is survived by his loving wife of 17 years, Mary J Smith. He is also survived by children: Karen Rudman (Chaney), Lawrence A. Smith III, and Christopher W. Smith; step-children: Amy Kinnard, Mike Hall, Melissa Wilson, Bobby Odom, Donna Wylie, John Youell, and Sharon Styron. He also leaves behind grandchildren: Kyle Rudman and Connor Smith; brother Blaine E. Smith and wife Shelly of Colorado and sister Mary Margaret Pyles and husband Doug of Ohio. Lawrence leaves behind numerous step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life was held February 18 at Grand View Funeral Home and he was laid to rest at Grand View Memorial Park.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Larry Smith
Rachel Beard
February 19, 2017
There are certain people who make the world a better place just by being in it. They are few, they are treasured. Larry Smith was one of those people.I will miss sharing our similar political views. RIP Larry. Rachel 'Susie' Beard FHS Class of '58
BILLIE BRUNGARDT
February 19, 2017
YOU WILL BE TRUELY MISSED.
February 18, 2017
Thank you Larry for being such a great teacher, advisor and before all a friend. You never grew tired of my questions and inquiries and always provided a great guidance for difficult problems and their solutions.
You will be greatly missed
Eva and Henry Semerak Scappoose Oregon
February 17, 2017
Larry was always smiling and cheerful, with a great sense of humor and love of life. He and Mary - great dancers and a terrific couple. Our thoughts are with you, Mary, and with your family. Judy and Howard Johnson.
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Tom Koval
February 17, 2017
Larry, I distinctly remember celebrating your 50th with you while working all night in a refinery running a pilot test. Your energy and enthusiasm for seeking the unknown was an asset to all those around you.
Shirley Cole
February 17, 2017
Mary sending prayers your way for you and your family. Larry was my brother-in-law he was a very caring and giving man. Larry brought my sisters and brothers a new coat for Christmas one year the only New Coat we ever had I walked around in school the next day and thought I was a little princess in that coat. I loved it. Larry will always be in our hearts he will never be forgotten. I know he is up in heaven dancing with the Angels showing them how to dance.
Barbara Plovsky
February 17, 2017
Larry you will be greatly missed. When I moved here from San Antonio, you were the first person to reach out and make me feel welcomed to the dance community.
You were loved by all.
Joe Dominguez
February 16, 2017
Mary, our prayers are with you and family..
Sincerely,
Joe and Yolanda Dominguez.
Jeanne Impey
February 16, 2017
I met Larry when I was only 3 years old when my mother brought this wonderful man into our lives. After 4 years, they went their separate ways, but Larry and I maintained our relationship. At a time when no father would claim me, he was there to feel that void, making me always feel like I was one of his own. We lost each other a couple of times, but we always managed to find our way back to each other. I am so grateful for Facebook, for we have been able to communicate a great deal through IM over the last few years. I have some wonderful memories we have created that I will always cherish. My heart goes out to Mary and all his children (both biological and step) for they truly had the best part of him, more of his time. If my heart is breaking I can only imagine what they are going through.
He may be gone, but will never be forgotten.
Peggy Halyard-Wilson
February 16, 2017
Mary, you are in our hearts and prayers. We loved Larry and his tremendous positive attitude. It was a joy to watch his enthusiasm when he would dance. It was obvious to see the love between you both as you were dancing together through life. He always had a smile and a hug for all. We know you have many loving memories with Larry and he will always be in our hearts. Peggy and Doug
Brad Hearn
February 16, 2017
I enjoyed working with and getting to know Larry Smith. He was always a kind and gracious man. An inquiring mind could do no better than to watch and listen to Larry. I will miss him.
Carroll Kehne
February 15, 2017
Larry was my childhood friend in Yellow Springs, MD. We grew up in an open environment, the country. While teens, we built our own cabin in the woods. Here, we first developed our interests. Larry in science, I in Art. We enjoyed our relationships together, almost in all childhood activities. Larry was exceptionally gifted and became his FHS Class of 1958 President. He was good in track and football. Larry and I also were the "best man" at each other's weddings. We actually traveled to Fort Knox, Kentucky via a train for basic training. We have enjoyed our friendship for over 65 years. He will be missed. God bless Mary and his family. Jack and Donna
BILLIE BRUNGARDT
February 15, 2017
WE WILL MISS HIS SMILING FACE
Bruce Hearn
February 15, 2017
Larry was a kind, considerate and intelligent man. Along with my father, Dennis, and Ed Jones, he founded two companies that are still in business after forty years He has left a lasting mark on this world and me. My heart goes out to his family.
February 15, 2017
I truly enjoyed working with you at CR&L. Remember our first meeting and your introduction to the sport of curling especially. Your innovative thought process is too soon gone. Rest in peace. Cliff Crossland
Randy Jenkins
February 15, 2017
I worked with Larry at CR&L for a few years before he retired. Being on the Financial side of the company, I was amazed by the things he invented and his knowledge. He made a huge positive impact on the Oil and Gas industry and the environment via his life's work. Few can say that with conviction... may he rest in peace.
Chris Ploss
February 15, 2017
Larry gave me my first lesson in distillation when I started working out at CP&P.
"Turning up the temperature isn't going to change the boiling point- you need to do that by modifying the pressure. Your lesson for the day."
We didn't always agree politically, but I always loved that we could sit and have an honest conversation to discuss the issues. He definitely valued people and he had such a passion for chemistry. You will be missed my friend. Airborne!
Raymond Shields
February 15, 2017
I will always miss my cousin that I was able to share time with when we were both younger. he was like a brother to me. rest in the arms of the lord.
John Adams
February 15, 2017
Larry, I will miss you and always remember how I enjoyed working with you. You were an inspiration and a delight to work with. Your research impacted the world. John Adams
James Keith
February 15, 2017
Mary
Joanne and I were sad for your loss.
James Keith.
Yvonne Galvin
February 15, 2017
May peace be with you uncle Larry love vonnie mike Ashley and Ryan oxox
February 15, 2017
We will miss our sweet next-door neighbor, but will always think of him "dancing through life," and entertaining children from all around with his whimsical Halloween costumes. Our condolences to Mary and the family.
Gary and Patti Ballard
Jo Portela
February 15, 2017
Larry was one of those people you never forget after you meet them. I had the privilege of working with him in CDTECH the JV between CR&L and Lummus. He was one of the most creative and inventive individuals I ever met. A true scientist!
alan cummings
February 15, 2017
I'm sadden to hear of Larry passing. I stated at CR&L in 2002 and worked with him until his retirement. He was extremely intelligent, but also a very caring person who loved his work and loved working with others. He will be dearly missed. May God comfort the family, give them strength and peace during this time and the days ahead.
Brent Alleyn
February 15, 2017
I never got the pleasure of meeting you but I have worked with you son for the greater part of 10 years now. He always spoke very highly of you and I know you will be missed.
Dennis/Linda Araujo
February 14, 2017
Always a pleasant man to be around. His 'dancing' shoes are going to be tough to fill. God bless Mary and the family.
Dennis/Linda Araujo
February 14, 2017
Always a pleasant man to be around. His 'dancing' shoes are going to be tough to fill. God bless Mary and the family.
elwood holmes
February 14, 2017
Larry, one great man and such a nice person. I will miss u very much.....Elwood Holmes.....
Nadia Hayes
February 14, 2017
Thank you for the dance. You will be missed. God bless Mary while she works through the journey ahead.
May his memory be eternal.
Nadia Hayes
Jan & Mike Davis
February 14, 2017
Mary, you have our deepest sympathy but I know Larry is in heaven dancing!
Mary and Steve Schifani
February 14, 2017
So glad we got to meet you Larry!!! It was fun while it lasted.....going to miss seeing your smiling face..... Steve and Mary Pat Schifani, dance club friends
Rev. James Fox
February 14, 2017
Larry brought an air of dignity and happiness to any event or class reunion. His demeanor and his friendliness stand out for me. I envied those facebook posts in which he was dancing because I have two left feet. May God bless Larry in his new home, and God bless his family. Jim Fox Class of '58.
Lynn McDonald
February 14, 2017
'Some people come into our lives and leave footprints on our hearts and we are never ever the same." by Flavia Weedn
My family admired and loved our dear gentle neighbor, Larry. I enjoyed him loving animals, sharing his vast knowledge on things I always found interesting, adoring his wife ( my sweet friend), celebrating his family, and smiling a greeting---always. We will miss him forever because he made the world a better place.
All our love to Mary, family, and friends, Lynn, Gordon, and Kelli
Sam (H) & Carol Holter
February 14, 2017
Our sincere condolences go to Mary. To his brother Blaine Smith,Mary M.Pyles. All of his children gr. Children,gr. Children,& families of all. One wonderful person. You will be missed. We wI'll not forget you Larry.
Peace ,& Love to you all.
RIP. LARRY SMITH.
Debbie Teal Hopson
February 14, 2017
Thank you, Larry, for being such a wonderful man. You will be missed.
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