Larry Smith

Mr. Larry Jaora Smith, age 76, was born on July 29, 1949, in Atlanta, Georgia, to the late Horace Smith and Dorothy Atkinson Smith Lewis. He was raised in Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Atlanta, Georgia and later in life joined and was a member of New Birth Baptist Church in Decatur Georgia.
Larry was a proud graduate of David T. Howard High School, Class of 1967, where he was an active member of the marching band, playing the trumpet with great passion. Following high school, he attended Albany State University, where he continued his musical journey as a trumpeter in the university's marching band and became a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Chi Epsilon chapter in 1969; and later joining Kappa Alpha Alpha Alumni Chapter in Decatur, Georgia.
After college, Larry lived in New York City for several years, where he successfully owned his own business and worked as a compositor for several well-known magazines. In the 1990s, he returned to his hometown of Atlanta, Georgia, where he began renovating homes and later pursued a career as an electrician, a trade he enjoyed until his retirement.
Never one to stop learning, Larry continued to pursue his passion for education after retirement. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from American Public University and became a Certified Addiction Counselor, to help those struggling with substance use. Always striving for more, Larry was working toward his Master's degree in Counseling prior to his death.
Larry was preceded in death by his grandparents and great-grandmother, parents, Horace Smith and Dorothy Atkinson Smith Lewis; stepfather, James Lewis; uncle, Rhamy Atkinson; brothers, Eric Smith, and Kenneth Smith
He leaves to cherish his memory one loving daughter, Kimberly Snead Pruitt (James Pruitt); one adored grandson, Jonavon C. Snead; one brother, Michael Smith (Karla Smith); four sisters, Jacqueline Smith Crew, Veda Smith Barnes (James Barnes), Ketra Smith; and Tina Dozier; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who will miss him deeply.
Larry's life was one of perseverance, creativity, and resiliency - a testament to his love of learning, service to others, and dedication to family. His legacy will live on through all who knew and loved him.
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