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Larry Smith Obituary
He was born Feb. 4, 1949, in Florence, where he resided all his life.
Larry was a graduate of Coffee High School and attended Florence State University, now UNA, on a basketball scholarship. His record of 55 points scored in a single game still stands today, nearly 40 years later. He is a member of the UNA Sports Hall of Fame.
Larry was an educator for 30 years, being a teacher, coach and administrator, with the last 10 years at Lexington High School. He coached at Central High School from 1973-74 through 1980-81. During those eight years, Central was the area and region champs in '77, '78, '80, and made three trips to state finals in '77, '78, '80, being runner-up twice. Central was Lauderdale County champs all eight years that he coached and was never defeated by another Lauderdale County basketball team. His record was 197-47.
A celebration of Larry's life will be at Woodmont Baptist Church East Campus on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2010. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the funeral service to follow immediately. Officiating will be a longtime friend and neighbor, the Rev. Edd Lawrence, of Memphis, Tenn. Burial will be in Greenview Memorial Park.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Emmett V. and Ann Patton Smith; two sisters, Pearl Mae Smith and Francis McGee; and a brother, Bobby Glenn Smith.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, Rebecca (Becky) Smith; sons, Zac Smith, of Suwannee, Ga., Will Smith, of Florence; and the light of his life, his grandson, Carson Smith, of Muscle Shoals; brother, Jim Smith (Elaine), of Florence; sister, Paulette Missaggia (Wayne), of Oak Ridge, Tenn.; and sister-in-law, Rotha Smith, of Florence.
Active pallbearers will be Larry's longtime friends, Mickey Hendon, Steve Bevis, Steve Lee, Fred Marmann, Ronnie Campbell and Mike Martin.
Honorary pallbearers will be Bob Bevis, Mickey Poole, Ikey Fowler, Jay Stejskel, Willie Joiner, Robert James, Mike Bacon, Scott Herbert, Gaylon Holden and John Landers.
In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials in Larry's name to the American Cancer Society.
An online guestbook may be viewed and signed via TimesDaily.com/obituaries.
Arrangements by Greenview Funeral Home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
VICKIE BYRD & FAMILY
November 22, 2010
TO THE ENTIRE SMITH FAMILY,
MY HEART HAS BEEN SADDEN, DUE TO THE LOSS OF A GREAT MAN, MAY GOD CONTINUE TO STRENGTHEN YOU ALL DURING THESE TRYING TIMES.
IM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS I'M JUST NOW BEING AWARE OF THIS SAD NEWS
OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL
William Corbin
November 18, 2010
Even thou you are gone our memories of your kindness and personality will live on thru the students that knew you. You was loved by all and will be dearly missed.
anthony corbin
November 18, 2010
your spirit and legacy will still fill the hallways of lexington high and on the footbal field where you wathed us play countless games. win or loss you always cheered us up with a smile and telling us you proud way we played
Dustin Wright
November 12, 2010
Mrs. Smith and family,
I have known your family all my life, and want you to know how much L.E. meant to SO many. I really enjoyed playing golf at FCC with him on the weekends. He always had a funny story to tell! He was a very special man, and I consider it an honor to say I knew him and your entire family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all!!
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Greg Lewis
November 12, 2010
Becky, I hope you know how much I thought of Larry as a person and a man.
He will be greatly missed by his golf group and friends.
Andy Betterton
November 11, 2010
Becky & family,
May God's presence & the support of your friends surround you in this difficult time. Our thoughts & prayers are with the entire Smith family.
Becky King
November 10, 2010
Dear Becky and Family,
So sorry for your loss. Larry was great to work with. He always was ready with a joke and he truly loved and enjoyed being with the students. My memories of him will always involve a good story and laughter.
November 10, 2010
Your memories will live on forever in the halls of Lexington High School and in the hearts of every student you touched Mr. Smith.
Barry Mixon
November 9, 2010
Becky,
So very, very sorry for your loss.
LaSandra Davidson
November 9, 2010
Becky, my deepest sympathy to you and your family. May God keep you ALL.
Stacey Barnett
November 8, 2010
With Sympathy.
Glen Missaggia
November 8, 2010
Our deepest sympathy goes out to your family. Please accept our deepest condolences and know we are keeping him in our prayers.
Marilyn and Glen Missaggia
William Lindsey
November 8, 2010
Larry has always been a special person. I remember his getting the nickname "Snuffy" from Coach "Rockin" Presley Robbins in Little League baseball, another sport at which Larry excelled. He has always been one of the good guys. My sympathies and best thoughts go to his family.
April Pinkard
November 7, 2010
Carson and family,
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your loved one. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Coach Pinkard and family and the Navy Football Team
Dextrose McDaniel and Family
November 6, 2010
Words cannot express how much Coach Smith will be missed, he was like a father figure to me and I loved him dearly. Will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Greg Box
November 6, 2010
Becky
Words can not express the loss that we all feel over the loss of Coach Smith. He played an important role im my life.
My heart is reaching out to you,
For what you’re going through;
I’m thinking of you frequently
And praying for you, too.
Patricia Simmons
November 6, 2010
Remember
Remember me when I am gone away,
Gone far away into the silent land;
When you can no more hold me by the hand,
Nor I half turn to go yet turning stay.
Remember me when no more day by day
You tell me of our future that you plann'd:
Only remember me; you understand
It will be late to counsel then or pray.
Yet if you should forget me for a while
And afterwards remember, do not grieve:
For if the darkness and corruption leave
A vestige of the thoughts that once I had,
Better by far you should forget and smile
Than that you should remember and be sad.
By Christina Rossetti
The Poetry Foundation
Gregory Simmons and Family
November 6, 2010
To Becky and the Smith Family. Coach Smith made life so much easier when it came to sports. What a great man GOD put on this earth to teach us the game of life along with basketball.HE always told me to take life as it comes the good with the bad. HE will truly be missed, but we know GOD needed him the most. Well done Coach Larry Smith for touching so many lifes at CHS. GOD bless each and everyone in the Smith Family.
Thomas Long
November 6, 2010
Mrs. Smith, Zac and Will, I cried when I learned of the passing of your husband and father. I truly cherish the time I spent as part of your family while in college. My father always told me that if I wanted to be successful, I had to surround myself with successful people. The Smith family was that kind of family for me. I am a better person for having known Mr. Smith. I am currently away in Afghanistan but, will keep all of you in my heart and prayers. How fortunate I have been to have had both Smith brothers in my life; Jim as my high school principal and Larry as my second dad. I love you and will see you soon.
Thomas & Sonya Long
Deborah Daniel
November 5, 2010
I'd know Larry since the 2nd grade in Mrs. Smyrl's room at Branon Elementary (in those early days we called Larry 'Smitty' instead of the 'Snuffy' he was later known as. It always amazed me how (no taller than he was) great he was in basketball. He was so fast and could get around and through any one! In Jr Hi (at Appleby) he was a star right off the bat! At break, he'd laugh and tell me "I've got 'em all fooled"; then laugh out loud. From Appleby Larry went on to Coffee and I went to Central. Although I hadn't seen or talked to him in years, he was the most down-to-earth person I knew....in light of his 'local' fame. I know his family and closest friends will miss him terribly.
Since I am an avid supporter of the American Cancer Society, I will definitely make a donation in memory of Larry.
My prayers are with Larry's family and closes friends.
Deborah (Daniel)
Amanda Allison
November 5, 2010
Becky and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Smith came to Rogers High School my senior year and we loved to pick on each other. He was always smiling and laughing. He help make my senior year alot of fun. He will be missed by all that knew him. Cherish the memories.
Amanda Jaynes Allison (Surprise Store)
Smoky Holland
November 5, 2010
The Smith family, My thoughts and prayer are with you all.I graduated with Larry from Coffee High. I know that he will be missed by many and his life will be live on through his many friends and students.
Tommy & Janice Bevis
November 5, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
November 5, 2010
Becky and Family, Randy and I are so very sorry for your loss. We want you to know your in our thoughts and prayers. I know you have many wonderful memories as Larry was a special person who touched many lives. May God comfort your hearts and give you strength now and in the days to come. Renee & Randy Richardson
Mike Wissman
November 5, 2010
I'm very sorry for your loss.
Janice Gundersen
November 5, 2010
Becky & family - please accept our sincere sympathy Janice & Bob
November 5, 2010
Jim, and all the Smith Family..Larry, was one of the best Teachers,coach and leader of young people, I, have ever known..My Condolences..
Mike Murks
Kari Bedford
November 5, 2010
Becky and family,
May God bring you peace and strength during your time of sorrow. Time may heal the pain but the memories will never fade. You are in my prayers.
November 5, 2010
Becky, Zack and Will, So sorry about your loss of hustand and father.
We love you and pray God's blessing on you. You have lots of good memories and that's a blessing.
James and
Gerry Tew, Dothan, AL
November 5, 2010
On behalf of the Chaney family... May your hearts be comforted by the many who have loved and cherished your family over the years. Florence has truly lost a special person.
Brenda Bray
November 5, 2010
Dear Becky and Family,
I am so sorry for the loss of Larry. I have kept up with his progress from school mates and my neighbor, Mrs. Frye (David's mother.)
Larry fought a brave battle against such a furious disease.
I will always remember him from the Class of 67. He was such a terrific ball player as well as a great person. He will truly be missed.
Brenda Davenport Bray
Class of 67
Andrea Ingram Hampton
November 5, 2010
Sorry for your loss my prayers are with you and your family during this time.
November 5, 2010
Jim and all members of the Smith family,I want you to know you have my deepest sympathy.I have known and held dear to my heart all of "the kids" of Emmett & Ann all my life.May God be with you now and in the days ahead..Love,Dot{Harrison}Phillips
November 5, 2010
Mrs. Smith, may God bless you and your family with peace. Our family will always remember Coach Smith at Central. The Buckners(Florence, Al)
November 5, 2010
Becky and Family---So many memories---our being neighbors on Pamplin Ave. in the 70's; the following of my Family's favorite team (the Central Wildcats) being led by Larry with his many coaching talents; working at Bevis Tables with Larry and later in life; just seeing each other and enjoying a good laugh together, it is hard to realize the happenings of late. May God's richest blessings be with you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Jack, Janet, Brad, Ryan and the entire Harrison Family.
CARLTON ARMSTEAD
November 5, 2010
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Dan and Shannon Love
November 5, 2010
Zac,
You and your family are in our thoughts and our prayers.
Deborah Woods-Burress (Class of 1982)
November 5, 2010
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
November 5, 2010
As a longtime resident of Lexington community I can attest to how much he helped LHS. Larry Smith will be missed, but never forgotten. Clay Hammond
Miss Jackie Hooten (Class of 1980)
November 5, 2010
Coach (Snuffy) Smith was a great man! I remember him from Central and the students loved him! We also went to the state championship game in Tuscaloosa (1980) that was the good old days! My prayers are with Mrs. Becky Smith and the Smith Family.
Ashley (Peebles) & Matt Hawkins
November 5, 2010
Mr. Smith...where do you begin describing such a wonderful man! He touched the lives of so many kids just at Lexington High School along. I am deeply honored that he handed me my diploma in 2003. May God Bless the family as they go on without him. May be knowing of how many lives he touched bring him peace.
Kelly Allen
November 5, 2010
We all knew Larry,and the family for many years, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Allen family (SkyPark)
Susan Murray
November 5, 2010
Dear Becky, Will and Zac,
We were so sad to learn of Larry's passing but we take comfort knowing that
Larry is in the arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ! While we can't be there tomorrow, we will be with you in spirit. If there is anything we can do to help you, please let us know. We love y'all! Glynn and Susan Murray and family
Larry Yeargan
November 5, 2010
Becky and family. I was so sorry to hear about Larry. I've thought about Larry and the old Bevis crew many times through the years and always left the thoughts smiling thinking of the many stories Larry told and the laughter he would always bring to everyone. He will always be remembered as a very special person in my life and many others.
Valerie Townsend
November 5, 2010
Mr. Smith was a great man & an awesome principal! He will truely be missed. I am honored to know that he was able to hand me my diploma. Valerie Townsend (Class of 2006).
Sue Young
November 5, 2010
As a child we lived next door to the Emmett Smith Family, attended Eastwood Church of Christ together, and came to know and love every member. My father and mother, R.L. and Mildred May, had Larry in Sunday School and continued to watch and cheer for him as he played sports. We share your loss and will keep you all in our prayers.
Donald & Melissa Muse
November 5, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Larry Yeargan
November 5, 2010
Becky and family, so sorry to hear about Larry. Have thought about Larry and the old Bevis crew many times through the years and always got a kick out of hearing all the many stories Larry had to tell. A great guy from my past who will always be remembered.
Larry Yeargan
Jeff Garrett
November 5, 2010
I was so sorry to hear of Larry's passing. He hired me at Bevis Furniture and he hired my wife as a teacher at Rogers. He was always fun to be around. He will be truly missed. Jeff and Pennye Garrett (Florence, AL)
Linda and Tom Danielowicz
November 5, 2010
I will never forget how kind Larry was to me when I taught summer school five years ago. He let me bring my grandson to school a couple of days a week, so I could help my daughter finish college to be a teacher. You don't find that kind of kindness very often in this world. He will be greatly misssed.
Steve and Amy Mayfield
November 5, 2010
Steve and I are so sorry for the loss of Larry.We both felt such a closeness with you both, as we would meet in Houston at MD Anderson. It was such a comfort to see someone from home. Steve always thought the world of Larry. He will truly be remembered by everyone. Sincerely, Steve and Amy Mayfield
Diann Butler Shelton
November 5, 2010
I was so sad to hear of Larry's passing. I had the honor of working with Larry when he was the principal at Lexington High School and I was the treasurer for the Band Boosters. He always seemed to have a smile on his face. I know that he will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
November 5, 2010
WHAT A FRIEND GOD PUT ON THIS EARTH FOR ME. I WAS SO BLESSED TO BE ABLE TO SHARE THE MONTHS AND YEARS WITH LARRY, ESPECIALLY THE LAST TWO AND A HALF. LARRY HAS CHANGED ME COMPLETELY. FOLKS DONT BE AFRAID TO TELL A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER I LOVE YOU. IT WILL TRAVEL A LONG WAY. LARRY I WILL MISS YOU SO MUCH. FAMILY I LOVE ALL OF YOU. YOUR FRIEND FOREVER MICKEY HENDON
cynthia whiteside
November 5, 2010
My prayers are with you Mrs. Smith my classmate Will and my Logan's friend Zac I pray that God will comfort you and wipe all tears from your eyes. Loves you all Cynthia D Perkins AKA Niecy
JON-THOMAS WILLETT
November 5, 2010
Iam sorry to hear of your loss. Mr Smith was my principal at Cloverdale.
Vicki Willett-Hovater
November 5, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with each of you.
Mike & Sandra Ash
November 5, 2010
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Brad Bradford
November 5, 2010
Our friend will be dearly missed. He was the definition of "class." Brad Bradford
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