Mr. Larry Thomas Smith, 76, of Melfa, was greeted by the open arms of his Lord and Savior and his beloved wife, Anita Johnson Smith, on Friday, April 21, 2023. Born May 16, 1946, in Nassawadox and raised in Willis Wharf and Exmore, he was the son of the late Garland Thomas Smith and the late Dorothy Virginia Bowen.
Larry began working from a young age and became especially skilled at fixing all that was broken. For nearly two decades, he worked as a heavy machine mechanic and in the rendering department for Perdue Farms.
Larry was a devoted member of Onley Baptist Church and always looked forward to attending Sunday service with his wife. Outside of church, his ministry came in the form stopping in to check on, and visit with, family and friends. His constant care for those around him extended to any animal that crossed his path. He especially adored his dog, Chloe, and cat, Apple Dumplin, and his outdoor cats never went without a meal.
If there was a deal to be found, Larry was your man. He loved going “thrifting” and was always on the front row at Countryside Auction, where he also worked alongside his brother-in-law, Chester Jackson, for more than 30 years. He enjoyed days spent at mud bogs and tractor pulls and rarely missed a local event. Larry loved his family infinitely and dedicated his life to ensuring his wife and children came first and knew he was there for them.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by his stepfathers, George Preston Taylor and Cecil Henry Bowen; and brother, David Lee Smith. He is survived by his children, Glenda Smith McKay and her husband, Chris, of Rocky Mount, Va., and Larry Wayne Smith and his wife, Christie, of Melfa; sister, Mona Lisa Turner and her husband, Wayne, of Belle Haven; grandchildren, Benjamin Green and Christina Vernon; sister-in-law, Betty Smith Morris, of Onancock; special sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Linda and Chester Jackson, of Parksley; and several nieces and nephews.
A service to celebrate Larry’s life will be held at the Onley Baptist Church on Friday, April 28, 2023, at 5:30 p.m., with the Rev. John Burr officiating. Following the service, the family invites friends to join them for a meal in the church social hall.
Contributions in Larry’s memory may be made to the Onley Baptist Church, P.O. Box 8, Onley, VA 23418.
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at
www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements were made by the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home.
