April 4, 1942 - November 26, 2021
LARRY SMITH
Larry Dean Smith of Auburndale, Florida passed away at his daughter's Tampa home on Friday, November 26, 2021, at age 79 after expending the last of his infinite lives.
Larry was born in Normal, IL in 1942 , to parents Myers and Marybelle Smith. He attended Bloomington High School (class of 1961). Larry was the loyal little brother of Jeanne, Don, Dale, and Glen. He was the proud dad to kids: Teri, Preston, Troy, and Christine. He was the even prouder grandpa of Chamblee, Hayden, Cody, Keagan, Libby, Kinsey, Natalie, and Audrey. Larry's charisma allowed him to enjoy the companionship of four remarkable women over his lifetime: Norma Meyer, Bonnie Smith, Dorothy Jones and Barbara Beauford.
Larry was a hard worker who valued independence for himself and his family. These traits gave him the courage and resilience to navigate not only through several careers (landscaper, insurance agent, auto lube shop owener, salesman, automobile shipper, golf course owner, and handyman), but also multiple residences (Illinois, Wisconsin, Colorado, California, Texas, Oklahoma, and Florida) throughout his lifetime. Although he lamented that traditional academics were not his strong suit, Larry was a scholar in the School of Life and held advanced degrees in such varied fields as Mechanics, Horticulture, Construction, Communications, Transportation, and above all, Family. Anyone who encountered him can verify that Larry was a talker who never met a stranger. He was guilty of telling the same stories over and over - thank you to those who listened the first time, apologies to those who listened the tenth time.
Larry's ideal day was one that included reading the newspaper, working on projects around the house, playing golf, eating something chocolate, petting a dog, bragging about his family, and sipping on a vodka tonic with friends, He completed his final earthly journey embraced by the uplifting music of Ray Charles as well as visions of his beloved Green Bay Packers and NASCAR.
Larry's family will host two Celebrations of Life:
January 8, 2022, 2:00-4:00 pm at the Hamptions Golf Club (900 Southampton Blvd, Auburndale, FL, 33823) and April 2, 2022, 4:00 - 6:00 pm at the Fraternal Order of Eagles (313 S Main St, Bloomington, IL, 61701)
Larry's family requests no flowers or gifts - your friendship was his greatest gift. For those who wish to honor Larry's memory, you are invited to make a donation to the charity of your choice or in the spirit of Larry, to simply share your kindness with a stranger.
UPDATE: A Celebration of Life will be held for Larry Smith on April 2, 2022 from 4:00-9:00 pm at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 303 South Main Street, Bloomington. Food and live music provided. All family and friends of Larry are ivited, please spread the word.
Published by the Pantagragh on Dec, 12, 2021
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Patsy Whitecotton (Barggren)
My deepest sympathy to his loved ones and may Larry rest in peace, also peace be with those he loved and loved him, who are left behind.
Ike Walker
Sorry to hear the loss of Larry.May he rest in peace And may the family that he loved and family And friends that loved Larry Have peace.
Mik Hamilton
Sorry for all the relative's loss. I'll share a couple of memories that might make you happy. I hung out with Larry a lot when we were about 12 years old and both lived in Normal. Two things I remember distictly are that we would hang out for days on end in his garage and watch his brother (and try to help) turn his '32 B model Ford pickup into a hot rod. It was one of the most beautiful I have ever seen yet to this day. I remember that his mom, Maybelle was very kind to me and always had a smile. Larry was really proud that when she bought her new blue and white '55 Buick that is was the Century, the fastest of all the models, and not the Super, the Special or the Roadmaster. We kind of lost touch after that but I'll never forget him and his family. Love to you all.
Vera Taminger (Reeves)
Sorry to hear of Larry's death. May his family and friends find joy in all the "wonderful memories" we have of Larry and his kindnesses over the years. God is good to give us "memories" as we grieve for those we love who have been called to their heavenly home. May Larry rest in peace and may his family find comfort with the Lord.
Sheila Hepworth
I never knew Larry but it sounds like he had a great life, family, and friends. Peace to all who knew him and loved him.
Karen Hanes (Keels)
So sorry to hear of Larry's passing. So sad he was such a great guy. Prayers lifted up for his family for comfort and peace.