Larry Smart

Larry Smart, 73, of Gatesville, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on Wednesday, October 22, 2025.

Memorial services for Larry will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 30, 2025 at Coryell Community Church. The family will receive visitors one hour prior to services at the church.

Larry Lynn Smart was born on January 5, 1952 to Howard and Doris Baize Smart. He grew up on the banks of Plum Creek where he strategically learned to hold his breath for 3 minutes, in hopes of becoming a Navy Seal, with a little bit of motherly encouragement he was persuaded to go a different direction. He graduated from Gatesville High School in 1970 and married Barbara Lynch, on May 29, 1970. That fall, they moved to Lubbock before Larry transferred to Texas A&M University, where he changed his major to Animal Science. He continued his education from January 1971 until 1974. Their daughter, Amy, was born in September 1974. After earning his teaching certificate from Tarleton State University, Larry began his career as an agriculture teacher in Marble Falls before returning home to Gatesville in 1976. That summer, he began working at the National Bank, where his strong work ethic and people skills led him to a long and respected career that later included Guarantee Bank and the founding of Real Smart Real Estate. Larry married Kathi Oswald and together they welcomed their son, Ross, in February 1984. In 2011, he married Theresa Harvey, his loving partner in life and business. Together they built a thriving real estate and appraisal company, working side by side for many years.

A true agriculturalist at heart, Larry devoted countless hours to mentoring young people in 4-H and livestock shows across Texas. Many of them fondly knew him as “Sheep Daddy,” a title he wore with pride and humor. He attended Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo fifty-two times in his lifetime, winning the lamb show in 2009. He was also known for being a steward of the land, all while encouraging his kids and grandkids to do the same, whether it was picking mustang grapes, wild hog plums or simply working the garden he took such pride in. His guidance, laughter, knowledge and generosity touched more lives than he ever realized.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Doris Smart and a sister, Judy.

He is survived by his wife, Theresa Smart; children and bonus children, Amy Craft and husband Bryan, Ross Smart and wife, Jessica, Mark Harvey and wife Brittany, Michael Harvey; grandchildren, Caden, Brody, Joli, Shaylie and fiancé James, Jacy, Maylie (his brown eyes) and Quinn; and a great-granddaughter, Emery. He is also survived by his brother, Donnie Smart and wife Patsy, nephew Keith Smart and wife Kay; great nieces, Morgan Smart and fiancé Ryan, Marley Boiles and husband Blake; and a great-great niece, Maddie.

Larry’s life was defined by his love for family, his dedication to helping others, and his unwavering commitment to the agricultural community he so deeply cared for. Larry had a way of making everyone feel special and loved while also remaining stern, but gentle. Larry was also a member of the Boots and Saddles Cowboy Church since 2011. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Coryell County Youth Fair, P.O. Box 133, Gatesville, TX 76528.