Larry Paul Smith

Larry was born on June 25, 1947, in Eureka, KS to William Smith and Betty Lee (Willis) Smith. He was raised in Eureka, KS and met the love of his life, Rita Kay (Sparks) Smith at a wedding of family and friends. Their love blossomed through letters back and forth while Larry served in the U.S. Navy, and they were joined in marriage on June 26, 1971, in a garden wedding in Augusta, KS.

Larry served the U.S. Navy proudly as a flight engineer on a P3 Orion (anti-submarine warfare bomber) with overseas duty assignments including Alaska, Hawaii and Okinawa. He retired as a petty officer 2nd class, serving in both the Vietnam and Korean war. He earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal (1 star), and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea).

Larry was a talented contractor who remodeled homes and built decks throughout Arlington and the DFW area. He designed and built his home, utilizing insulated concrete form, a relatively new concept at the time. His family and friends will forever remember his many projects - he always had something big in the works!

Larry also loved traveling, taking pictures, and gardening. His home is filled with photos of his world travels. His yard and garden bloom with the work he and Rita enjoyed together.

Patriotism and faith were integral to Larry, and he loved his church, First Baptist Dallas. He is a past president of the Presidents Class and a member of the pastor’s prayer team. He could be found each Sunday front and center in worship, Rita by his side.

Family was a bulwark of Larry’s life, and he deeply loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He loved their time together at their ranch near Santo, TX, which kept him busy with constant projects.

Larry is preceded in death by his parents, William and Betty Lee Smith. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Rita Kay (Sparks) Smith; daughter and son-in-law Krystal Kay and Howard Huhn of Katy, TX; son and daughter-in-law Ryan Paul and Dayna Smith of Coppell, TX; grandchildren Kayla (Huhn) Alexander and husband Noah, Wesley Huhn, Gage Smith, and Elena Smith, and sisters Judy Westerman and Kathy Senkel. He will be missed by many friends and family.

Visitation will be held January 28, 2026, at 1st Dallas Baptist Church, 1707 San Jacinto St. Dallas, TX 75201 from 9:45am- 10:30am immediately followed by Funeral Service; committal will be at 1:15pm at Dallas Ft. Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy Dallas TX 75211

The staff at Moore Funeral Home encourages family and friends to express their fond memories, expressions of sympathy and additional condolences to the family of Larry Paul Smith, by visiting www.moore-funeralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Heart Association at https://www.heart.org/en/honor-memorial