Obituary of Larry Gene Smith

Larry Smith aged 77, of Alvin, passed away on March 25, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was born in Mathis, TX on March 24, 1947, to Curtis and Lucy Smith. In 1979, Larry married the love of his life Veronica Eckenrode, and together they built a family and a life filled with love. Larry was a devoted father to Jason (Krystle) Smith and Toni (Jason) Reid and a doting grandfather to Parker, Kami, Wade, Reed, and Hadley.

In 1965, Larry graduated from Brazosport High School where he played football. After graduating he joined the United States Army. During that time, he was stationed at Fort Polk AKA "Tigerland" where he served as a Drill Sergeant, training soldiers that were being deployed to the Vietnam War. After his honorable discharge from the Army, he went to work for Local 279 Movie Operators Union. He eventually went on to be a Pipe Designer and worked for Fluor Engineering, OxyChem, and Jacob's Engineering. He was an extremely smart, loving, honorable, and selfless man who worked very hard to provide for his family. Larry held many titles and positions in his life, but his favorite role was being a father and the absolute BEST PawPaw. His grandchildren could always count on him to be there for them. He NEVER missed a baseball game/tournament, basketball game, flag football game, dance recital/competition, school play/musical, school breakfast/lunch event, or any other event his grandchildren were involved in. He would be so excited to go see them that he would often show up extremely early and oftentimes even drive to the venue the night before to make sure he would not be late. He was so very proud of all his grandchildren and their accomplishments. In fact, often these accomplishments could be seen via pictures or video on his phone. He had so much pride in them that he would often show these pictures and videos to anyone that he could, whether that be a friend, neighbor, or even just a friendly encounter. While our PawPaw left us entirely too soon the impact he had on his grandchildren will no doubt be felt for many years to come.

Larry is preceded in death by his father Curtis Smith, mother Lucy Deviney, brother James Smith, and sister Martha Bacon. Larry is survived by his loving wife Veronica Smith, son and daughter-in-law Jason Smith and Krystle Smith, daughter and son-in-law Toni Reid and Jason Reid, sister, Carrie Belle; and his grandchildren Parker Smith, Kami Reid, Wade Smith, Reed Smith, Hadley Reid and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Thank you for your prayers and support during our time of loss. It meant so much to our family.