Lawrence Thomas Smith,lived a fun and adventuresome life of 91 years! Born December 4, 1934 in Ft. Benning, GA to Thomas Jefferson Smith and Ila Mae Fulford Smith, he lived in many places across the United States as his dad served our nation in the Army. Larry and his brother Randy loved to talk about their childhood and all their different homes, which included a POW camp where their dad served as Sergeant of the Guard in Death Valley, CA. They returned to Ft. Benning and Columbus, GA after World War II, where Larry graduated from Baker High School in the company of great friends like Bill Dawson and Maurice Copaloso. Early on, he had the ambition to see all 50 states. As an “Army brat”, service time in the Marine Corps, and business trips in a variety of jobs combined with personal travel for pleasure, he achieved that goal. Besides travel, he loved dancing- even taking disco lessons in the 70’s. That love led him to Renee Saturday Smith at the Savannah Shag Club. He married Renee in August 2021 and greatly enjoyed spending the rest of his life with her. He smiled and chuckled up to his final day of life, June 16, 2026. His friends and loved ones will miss that smile, his love and sense of humor. Surviving family include his wife Renee and her daughter Mary Bowen (Brian) and their children: Eli, Mea, Kayla and Marley; daughter Jan Davis (Joey) and their children: Trista Carter (Sean), Levi Davis (Kelli), and Emily Davis; son Jeff Smith (Carol) and their children: TJ Smith (Bethany), Bo Smith (Kimy), Catlin Muns-Humphries (Alan), George Young (Abby), and Alton Young; step-son Jimmy Beal (Dana) and their children: Trey Beal and Austin Beal; 10 great grandchildren among those families; nephew John Smith (Nancy) and their children; niece Leslie Smith Kennedy (Steve); and siblings-in-love via his wife Brenda: Jim Richards, Jeanie Thackston (Robert), Janice Lein (Mark), and JoAnn Milikan (Cliff); as well as several cousins he counted as his dearest friends.
In keeping with Larry’s wishes, the family will hold a Celebration of Life rather than a traditional funeral service. He believed in joy, expressed in music and dancing, and asked that we remember him with laughter, stories and the songs he loved. That’s how he lived and how he wanted to be remembered. Details to come soon.
Offer Condolence for the family of Lawrence Thomas Smith December 4, 1934 – June 16, 2026
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Mary Tallent
So glad he had 91 years of a full life. My heart goes out to the family he left behind
Robbie Frye
We are so sorry to learn of Larry’s death. I have many wonderful memories of Larry throughout my childhood while visiting his parents, and during my adult life. I will never forget how compassionate and loving he was to my mother, his aunt, during the final days of her life, always making time to email her and visit her.
Barbara Sue Smith Inzer
Larry, Lawrence to me, Jeff’s son was the last first cousin of our group alive except for me:
Robert James (Bobby Jim), my brother, son of Robert Reaves Smith;
Randy, Randolph to me, (Larry’s brother) Jeff Smith’s son;
Smith Seay, Ila Mae Smith Seay’s son;
Margarit Smith, daughter of Trosie Smith;
Hoyle Smith, son of Trosie;
Clyde Calloway, Ida May Smith Calloway’s son;
Laurence Calloway, Ida May Smith Calloway’s son.
These have all passed away.
Barbara Sue Smith Inzer (me), daughter of Robert Reaves Smith, lives in Alexandria, Virginia.
One second cousin, Clydine Calloway, became very close to Larry in later years and visited Larry on the east coast several times. She is Clyde Calloway’s daughter and lives in Warren, Arkansas. Clydine was like a first cousin to me because our ages were so close.
I remember Larry and Randy visiting us in Gurdon, Arkansas. They were teenagers then. They and my brother were about the same age. I was ten years younger, about seven.
Larry and I stayed close over the years. We met many times in various places. My greatest memory of Larry was how we laughed at the same things and laughed a lot! We found humor in things that others did not think were funny. We even laughed about that.
Later in life Larry sounded more and more like my dad on our very special phone calls. I loved Larry. He was quite a guy.
Bill Dawson
It was the best of times – the early 1950s. And we were loving it. Class of 1952, Baker High School, Columbus, Georgia. Larry (Lawrence to us then) was a class cutup with a serious side.
A few of stayed in touch over the years, despite different colleges and different life styles. Lawrence, Maurice Copeland, and myself were three who did. And we eventually discovered email, which allowed us the ability to share life events.
I guess the last time we were physically together was at our 60th Reunion in 2012.
It’s difficult to think that we won’t be together again in this life. But we have happy memories, and that’s good.
Rhonda Durden
I am saddened to hear about your loss. May the memories of your loved one bring you comfort and peace during this time of sadness. I pray that the family will find peace and comfort from our Lord Jesus Christ.
Lynn Quackenbush and Alan Page
Renee, I just heard the sad news about Larry. He is going to be missed. I only met you and Larry a few years ago, at the Savannah Shag Club and you guys were such fun to be around. Both of you were always smiling and so friendly. Al really enjoyed talking and kidding around with Larry. Renee, we are praying for you, and your family. We know the Lord will carry you through this difficult time. We are so sorry for your loss.
Ivy Nettles
Jan, I’m so sorry for the loss of your Dad. I pray that you find comfort during this time. Hold your prescious memories close. You are so blessed to have had him as long as you did.
Love to you, Joey and all of your family.
Ric and Ivy Nettles
Rhonda Edwards
Love and prayers for all the family. Jan, love you!!
Maurice Copeland
We are so sorry to hear of Larry’s passing! He was a good friend and I have many happy memories.
Larry drove over for a brief visit when my family and I were vacationing on the Carolina beach. I was happy to be able to introduce him to my wife and kids.
What a wonderful idea to leave a list of people to notify in the event of death. I feel honored to have been on Larry’s list!
Jackie Brown-Pinkney
My thoughts and prayers are with my sweet friend, Jan and your family during the loss of your dear father and loved one. 🙏🏽
Chad Pace
Mrs. Jan, Levi, and family….
I am so sorry to hear about this. Please know that you are being prayed for.
Nancy Vale
I am so sorry for your loss, Jan. Praying for you and your family. Love you!