Cyril "C.L." Lawrence Smith Jr.

C.L. was the son of Cyril Lawrence Smith Sr. and Thelma Elizabeth Knox. He was born September 6, 1945, in Norfolk, Virginia. He grew up in Norfolk and graduated high school, then went into the Army during the Vietnam War from 1966 -1968, and the reserves from 1968-1973, he was a field radio repairman. His military merits included expert rifleman, good conduct, and national defense service medals.

After his military service he attended Howard Payne College, Class of 1973, and received a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education as a President Scholar. He earned a Texas Teaching Certificate for trades and industry, as well as physics and provisional mathematics certificates. C.L. then went on to work at Texas A&M University teaching Physics. As a member of the Mansfield Methodist Church, C.L. regularly attended the Single Spirit Class, assisting many members with home and auto repairs.

He also co-founded a very successful series of Senior Dances in Arlington. Preceded in death by his son Brian and survived by his sons Kevin and Stephen.

C.L.’s burial service will be held at: DFW National Cemetery Friday, October 13, 2023, at 9am.