Larry Hyder Smith

Larry Hyder Smith, age 84, of Belton, died peacefully on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at Rainey Hospice House. He is the son of Hardin and Hazel Pickens Smith. He was born in Decaturville, TN on his family's 400 acre farm on the Tennessee River.
Smith is survived by his beloved wife Carolyn Rudy Smith of the home, and by sons Don (Donna) Smith of Eagle Rock, VA, Ken (Karin) Smith of Marietta, GA, and Justin (Sarah) McCorcle, of Wilmington, NC; and by his daughter, Rachel (Bradley) Madden, of Laurens, SC. He is also survived by his sister Gail Arrington, of Decaturville, TN; and by his eight grandchildren: Josh, Mitchell, Ethan, Lynn, Lexa, Stella, Scarlett, and Savannah.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Mark Smith; and by his siblings David, Harvey, and Gid Smith.
Smith is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Martin, Emory University, and Boston University School of Theology. He is a retired United Methodist minister, having pastored churches in TN, GA, and SC. He was the Assistant Director of the Anderson, Oconee, Pickens Mental Health Center, where he worked for many years in various capacities, and also provided counseling to families as a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
His children and grandchildren will remember him as being a loving dad/grandad who often enjoyed being silly with them. He spent his leisure time reading theological books, traveling with his family, walking with his wife, swimming, and planting trees. He listened more often than he talked, but when he spoke, he usually had something insightful or supportive to say. He will be remembered and missed by many for his thoughtfulness and kindness and for his warm eyes and ready smile.
A service of remembrance for Smith will be led by Chaplain Sara Crocker at The McDougald Funeral Home Chapel in Anderson on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at 2:00 pm. Visitation with his family will begin at 1:00 pm before the service. A private burial will be held at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Rd., Anderson, SC 29621 or Epworth Children's Home, PO Box 50466, Columbia, SC 29250.