Laurence Smith

Laurence was born to Robert and Mabel Smith on April 7, 1961. He graduated from Connersville High School in 1979, where he received Athlete of The Year for his participation in Basketball, Baseball, and Football. Laurence furthered his education at Findlay College taking a triple major and receiving a bachelor’s degree in education in 1984. During his five years at Findlay, Laurence was a defensive lineman for the football team. Upon graduating, he married the former Jayma Hunter on December 14, 1985 at First Baptist Church in Connersville. He briefly taught High School courses prior to finding his true calling. Laurence started his employment at the Fayette County Probation Department in 1985. He worked his way through the ranks becoming Assistant Chief Probation Officer. In addition, he worked evenings at Clark's flower shop for many years. Laurence was very active in his community; he served on the battered women shelter board, was a past president for Kiwanis, a former Chief probation officer, and worked with the Fayette county S.W.A.T.

In his leisure time, Laurence spent many hours meticulously landscaping his yard, tending to his flowers, and building a jungle gym for his grandchildren. He was a history enthusiast and a proud military supporter. His love of sports never faded as he continued to play basketball with his friends and worked as a line judge for CHS football games. Laurence enjoyed taking motorcycle rides around town, especially on Christmas Day with his Santa Hat. More than anything, he loved spending time with Jayma, their friends, and family. He will be greatly missed by his family, the Fayette County Probation Dept., and the community he loved to serve.

In addition to Jayma Laurence is survived by his son: Blake Smith; grandchildren: Mason and Olivia; brother: Chris Smith; sisters and their husbands: Phyllis Dice and Butch, Marsha Knight and Jerry; several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends too numerous to mention.

Laurence is preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles and sister-in-law: Virginia J. Silvers.

A funeral service will be conducted at 4:00p.m., Friday, February 17, 2023 at Showalter Blackwell Long, Myers Chapel, Connersville. Friends may visit at the funeral home on Thursday, February 16, 2023 from 4:00p.m. until 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to any of the following organizations: American Heart Assoc., St. Jude’s, House of Ruth, Bev Jobe House of Love, or the Shelter Inc., in Laurence’s honor. For more information, or to leave condolences and memories for the family, please visit www.ShowalterBlackwellLong.com.