Larry William Smith Sr.

Larry William Smith Sr. passed away on March 1, 2026, and was born in Cleveland, OH on April 6, 1940 to Gertrude R. and Lorie I. Smith. The oldest of four, he was preceded in death by his beloved brother, Bill; sons-in-law, Charlie Tench and Phil Reynolds; and grandson, Zak Reynolds.

Just before his departure from the US Navy, where he served on the USS Forrestal, he married Louise Gatling in Murfreesboro, NC on December 23, 1961. Returning to Cleveland and starting a family, he went to work for Otis Elevator Co. and remained with them in different cities for 37 years.

After retirement, Larry and Louise enjoyed 14 years on the river in Gloucester where they oyster farmed, set crab pots, fished, and enjoyed family fun. They moved to Williamsburg in 2008.

He was a faithful husband to Louise, proud Dad to Teri Tench of Sandston; Lisa Reynolds of Virginia Beach; Larry Jr. "Bud (Amy) Smith of Hayes. He was loving Papa or "Pops" to grandchildren, Bob (Lea), Jeremy, and Nathan Dill, Erica (Tim) Townsend, Will and Trevor Smith, Justin (Katie) and Charles (Kortlyn) Tench. Great-Grandfather of 12.

Larry was a member of Olive Branch Christian Church in Norge, where a Celebration of Life Service will be held March 14, 2026 at 1:00 PM, followed by burial and a reception. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to OBCC (https://www.ob-cc.org/). Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com.