Larry J. Smith

Larry J. Smith (7/31/1932- 4/12/2023)
"Surely he will never be shaken; a righteous man will be remembered forever." Psalm 112:6
Larry J. Smith, follower of Jesus Christ, devoted husband, beloved father, doting grandfather and great grandfather went to be with his Lord on April 12, 2023. He was 90 years 'young' and left this world surrounded by those he loved and who loved him.
He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years and 9 months, Jacqueline Smith, his four daughters and sons in law; Laura (Darrell) Borghi, Linda (Bob) Pierce, Betsy (Bruce) Erickson and Rebecca (Stephen) Nunn, as well as seven grandchildren and their spouses; Skip and (Kelly) Borghi, Chris and (Amanda) Erickson, Alison and (Josh) McCaw, Kevin and (Liz Pesnel) Erickson, Jack and (Corinne) Stimson, David Stimson and Charlie Stimson; and two great-grandchildren; Lydia McCaw and Noah Erickson. Larry also enjoyed his four-step grand-daughters, Lori Diehl, Carrie Bruscato, Jill Holsinger and Kimberly Pierce.
Larry was born to Malcom and Olive Smith in 1932 in South Sioux City, Nebraska. Throughout high school he gained local fame as a track, basketball and football star. Larry served in the Korean War from 1953-1955. After the war he finished his undergraduate degree at the University of Nebraska in 1958, and earned his graduate degree from University of Iowa in 1959. While in college, Larry turned his life over to Christ and has remained a faithful and devoted servant ever since.
Larry married 'the love of his life', Jacqueline J. Wells on August 11, 1956 in Sioux City, Iowa.
At the University, Larry was a track star, setting records in discus and shotput, and was a Big Seven Discus Champ. His greatest claim to fame in Sports was beating Wilt 'the stilt' Chamberlin in a 'one on one' match. small detail - it was in a shotput event, not basketball.
While Larry was known in Rockford as a Guilford High School Biology teacher, track and football coach, he will be most remembered for his devotion to his Christian faith and walk to honor Jesus Christ. Larry's deep faith and selflessness was underscored by his daily prayer for hundreds of people, his quiet generosity to the church, and his unwavering love for his family.
Larry was an active member of Temple Baptist Church (a.k.a. Crosspoint Church) for 62 years, where he served as an Elder, Deacon, Sunday School Teacher and even a short-term missionary in Ethiopia. His fervent goal was to share with any and all the miracle of Jesus Christ and his promise of everlasting life.
Larry enjoyed many activities, including fishing on the Rock River with his grandsons (always hoping to catch the 'big one') watching sports, visiting with neighbors and friends, attending church, playing and training his dogs, hunting for pheasants and spending time with his family. In retirement, Larry authored and published a book, Biology that Works, based on best practices learned over three decades of teaching.
As a true testament to his faith, Larry was a longtime Chicago Cubs fan. Despite years, decades, even a century of disappointment, he never lost faith that they would win the World Series and was rewarded in 2016.
Of all his joys, seeing his grandchildren play in sporting activities topped the list. He rarely missed a game and was their greatest fan and biggest cheerleader.
Larry will be missed, mightily, but his legacy lives on in his family, countless friends and the hundreds of people whose lives he touched.
Visitation will be from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm Sunday, April 16th at Olson Funeral Home, 1001 2nd Avenue, Rockford, IL 61104.
A Homecoming Celebration will be held on Monday, April 17th at 4:00 pm, Crosspoint Church, 3215 East State Street, Rockford, Illinois. Food and fellowship to follow the service.
In keeping with Larry's investment in Rockford youth, contributions and gifts of remembrance may be sent to Crosspoint Church, earmarked for Life Decisions Ministry (a Biblical based program that works with at-risk youth) 3215 East State Street, Rockford, Illinois 61108.