Larry Gene Smith

With hearts full of gratitude for a life well lived, we share the passing of Larry Gene Smith, who went home to be with the Lord on May 24, 2025, at the age of 83. After a month-long hospital stay, Larry passed due to complications from a rare, aggressive form of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (AMAN) that rapidly attacked his motor nerves, leading to sudden, life-threatening paralysis. His final days were filled with both struggle and sweetness, and he was surrounded by love until the very end. When his body grew weak and his voice became faint, he still found ways to communicate - through gentle hand squeezes, bright eyes, and that unforgettable grin.

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Larry was born in Clarksville, Tennessee, on October 20, 1941, to Rev. James Castro Smith and Nina Smith. He grew up a preacher's son and a proud Tennessee country boy, with a strong foundation of faith and values that shaped him throughout his life. He graduated from the University of Tennessee in 1964 with a degree in engineering, proudly marched in the university band, and never stopped cheering for his beloved Volunteers.

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A devoted husband, Larry shared 47 wonderful years of marriage with Arlene Smith until her passing in 2021. In the years that followed, he found joy and love again when he met and married Maluan Smith, who stood by him with care and strength during his final chapter.

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Larry worked his entire professional life at IBM, where he not only built a successful career but also formed many lasting friendships. Known for his warmth, humor, generosity, and loyalty, Larry was someone others gravitated to. He had the rare ability to make deep, lifelong connections and nurture them across decades.

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Larry's greatest pride and joy was his family. He is survived by his sons and their wives: Wesley and Victoria Smith, Scott and Erin Smith, and Scott and Jackie Johnson. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Amie Hawksworth and her husband Blake, Jacob Smith and his wife Austi, Aspen Smith and her fiancé Joseph Gromatzky, Gatlin Smith, and Sebastian Johnson. His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren: Luke Hawksworth, two years old, and Presley Grace Hawksworth, just three months old.

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He was an active member of Crestview United Methodist Church for many years and more recently attended Grace Bible Church with Maluan. His faith was not just part of his life - it was the center of it. We take great comfort and peace in knowing that Larry is now in Heaven - not because of anything he did, but because of his total faith in what Christ did to pay for our sins and give us eternal life.

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Among the many things that brought Larry joy were his favorite hymns - songs that reflected the faith that guided him: Amazing Grace, In the Garden, It Is Well, What a Friend We Have in Jesus, and When We All Get to Heaven.

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Larry will be laid to rest at Asbury Cemetery in Knoxville, Tennessee, between his beloved mother and his wife Arlene - right in the place he always called home and 'God's country.'

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A memorial service for family and friends will be held on Monday, June 9, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Grace Bible Church, located at 2100 Shell Road, Georgetown, TX 78628.

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Larry's final hours on earth were spent in the most tender and loving way - surrounded by family. Together they showered him with warm touches, hugs, kisses, prayers, words of 'I love you,' and yes, some tears. It was a sacred time of love and goodbye - one that reflected the deep devotion he gave and received throughout his life.

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Larry's kindness, faith, humor, and love will remain in the hearts of all who knew him. He was deeply loved and will be missed beyond measure.

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"It Is Well with My Soul."