You know how the saying goes, " don't wait to tell someone you love them when you can tell them now " ... I now know that regret, and wish I would of acted sooner.
Today January 4th 2018, I decided it was time to give Larry a call to say how  much I think of him and how often I recall his dedication and care for me ,even when I was being a teenage jerk.
 When trying to locate him, I found out the heart-breaking news. You meant and still mean so much to me. My prayer is that you are conducting the band of your dreams with plenty of time on the greens ( I plan on trying out to be a member when my time comes ) , ( still have the same euphonium you helped me purchase in 1974 ). 

Thank You for your guidance & friend-ship,
I Love You,
Austin

Didn't know he was having any health issues sorry to hear this he will be missed. Always loved talking with him every chance we got.

We'll miss you Mr Larry , you were so loved.  RIP...

Mr. Smith, this candle, as your light, will keep shining through your love of people and life.  You will be remembered through stories and your sayings we tell to our kids, grand kids, and great grand kids.  We loved and respected you much.  May God comfort your family.

Larry encouraged, enpowered and educated us. Placing work ethic, team work with one liners while we learned music and had GREAT times. God Bless Him and His Family.
Flag Marching Season, Clarinet Concert Season - Class of 1980.

How many seeds did Larry plant on how to work together, practice, love music and have fun as well? Hard work paid off and made us better people because of his many one liners of wisdom. He knew life would not be easy or fair and was preparing us for adulthood. He encouraged, enpowered and educated us. I took pictures of the reunion last summer and may have others from high school. I would like to send those pictures to his family as a thank you for all he did for us. Class of 1980 - Flag in Marching season, Clarinet in Concert season. All the best to his family.

Jan and family, my prayers are with you. Larry made a mark on my life also. I admired his way of always doing what he loved and doing it with enthusiasm. He didn't  waste time with what didn't matter and made every minute count. He was so proud of his family. I am happy to have worked for him. God bless each of you now and as you go through this very difficult season.

To the family of Larry Smith.  You don't know me but Larry and I were classmates and graduated together from Dardanelle High  School in 1964.  We were not best friends but we were good friends and played in the band together. Larry was very talented both athletically and physically. One of my more fun memories of Larry was when he lost an arm wrestling match to Carolyn Rook. Another one of our classmates. But don't feel sorry for Larry because I don't think I would be exaggerating too much to say that many of our male classmates also fell victim to her talents. But Larry was so gracious in the loss. He and I ran against each other for student council president. I remember two things about that time. I had these poster board homemade campaign signs and Larry (his dad was a professional photographer) had these huge blow up pictures of himself in his letter jacket promoting his candidacy. I was like " wow". What do I do now? But what I remember most was that after the votes were counted and I had won was how Larry so graciously sought me out to congratulate me on my win. He was such a class guy even at that young age. Even though I haven't seen him in some years he was one of my favorite classmates and I was both deeply saddened and shocked to hear of his death. We lost a good man. May you feel God''s peace and love surrounding you. My prayers are with you. Sherman Huff

Larry has left a legacy. I am blessed to have worked with and learned from Larry's wisdom. Prayers of peace and comfort to the family during this difficult time.

I can honestly say that Larry Smith changed my life. My thoughts and prayers to Jan and the rest of the family.

So long Larry Smith. I cannot find the words, but fortunately, others have already said the things I would want to say. You were my mentor and you were the Greatest. Thank you. Forever, Band Family member, Billy Williams, Trumpet Man, Class of 1974.

To the family of Larry Smith,

With our deepest sympathy.  May God grant you strenghth and peace during this difficult time.

Walmart DC 6088
Williamsburg, VA

I was a junior when Larry came to Rogers and we all knew instantly what a great guy we had. Wonderful director, outstanding musician in his own right, and a friend. He influenced so many people.

Larry was one of a kind. As my band director all of my jr. & sr. High years I was always impressed how much he cared for each one of us. No matter how much natural musical talent we had, he taught us with hard work & togeather we could achieve beautiful things. We weren't just a band, we became a band family. I'm so glad we were able to spend time togeather these last few years & gather our band family for reunions. I am praying that the holy Spirit comforts your family is these days ahead.

Jan and Family-
I can not express how much Larry taught me over the years...everything from funny "Arkansas phrases" like..."that dog won't hunt",  and "bird-dog that for me" to the SEC, history of the SEC and which teams were acceptable to cheer for. This Ohio Buckeye learned so much about Walmart Culture and Logistics from him.  He taught me the unwritten stuff...only that which can be learned through experience.  He unselfishly shared what he knew so that, I might have a chance to succeed. He was always available to talk - whether it be for professional guidance or personal.  I grew by leaps and bounds the 3 years I reported to him directly but his guidance lasted much longer and reached all the way to Akron.  I don't know if you knew but, he helped me to get the job I have now at Akron Children's Hospital.  I got in touch and asked if he'd fill out a survey on me, since he was a former direct leader of mine.  He did it, without question.  He even wrote a letter of recommendation for me.  I was blown way!  With his help, I was able to move back home to be with my family and secure a wonderful job with an incredible organization...forever changing my career path. He was "one in a million" and I am so proud to have known him.  My sincere condolences to the entire family.

I'm sure it is for many as it is for me...the memories of the Mountie Band years are some of the most vivid school memories because they were some of the best.  Larry was a big part of that. I'm positive I wasn't the best band student he ever had.  But Larry was the best Band Instructor I ever had.  RIP Mr Smith

Im sorry that I can't be there with you and your family at this time  because I am out of town for 3 weeks.  I feel your grief though having gone though it January a year ago.  The world has lost a another great mentor.

Oh Jan my heart aches for you and your family 
My family and I share this loss with you. I believe it is the most heartbreaking experience in our lives to give up our loved ones to God and yet be so thankful to him for sharing them with us for a season. Larry was a very special man and touched so many lives. He truly leaves an example and legacy for all of us. 
Prayers for you and your family.

It was a pleasure working with Larry for many years at Walmart.  I will miss our talks we had about firearms and life in general. He always had a kind word for everyone. Rest in Peace Larry  

Mel Hacker (Bella Vista, AR)

I was saddened to hear of Mr. Smith's passing.  We had recently reconnected on Facebook, and I am so glad that I got to know him again these last 2 years.  As a former student of his from 1975 to 1978, I can say that I was privileged to have him as a teacher.  He made a positive influence on my life.  He taught us self discipline, teamwork, how to work hard, and how to be confident in your work.  We also had a lot of fun and great memories!  He will be greatly missed.  Prayers for his family during your time of grief.

Larry positively impacted the lives of his students, often through his witty, epigrammatic pronouncements over the ever-present megaphone.   He was a remarkable leader, mentor, and friend.  The Marching Mounties! 1970-1980 Facebook page is brimming with testimonies that have brought back so many fond memories.  Larry will truly be missed, and his legacy will most certainly endure.  I extend my most sincere sympathy to the entire family,,, Jan, kids, and grands.

To the Smith Family,
I am very sorry for your loss. Larry was always such a delight to be around. You will all be remembered in my prayers. May God's love console you during this time.
Jacqueline Kordsmeier
Conway, AR

Rest in Peace Larry Smith.  May all your drives be straight and your duck calls answered.  I consider it a privilege to call you my friend!

I am so thankful I had the opportunity to know and work with this wonderful kind person. His smile could fill up a room.  I send my heart felt thoughts and prayers to his family.

Robin Crosby, HRM Brookhaven, MS

What a friendly, funny, talented man.  I remember him acting in "The Odd Couple" at RHS, playing the trombone, and making the school band (which I wasn't in but admired) really good and really fun for the students.

He was such a wonderful man and teacher. He made our school years in band such fun, encourging us to be the best we could be.  You will live in our memories evermore....

Larry was a terrific band director and friend. We are so blessed that he was apart of our lives after high school. He will be missed.

I really cherished the time I got to spend working with and for Larry Smith.  He was a role model who loved God, family, friends, and country.  He's working with the Lord now in some type of musical capacity...go on Larry!!

Mr.Smith for all the times that you wanted to reach across the desk ad kill me you just laid back and was the mellow, laid-back person that you were and coolly respond. You were one of the instructors that touched my life and love of music. Rest in Peace.
Andy Williams (Rogers Class of '84)

Larry will be missed by all those that knew him.  Everyone he ever met wanted to be his friend.  My prayers go out to his family.  RIP Larry..I will miss you.

Stephen K. Davis
Hot Springs Village, AR

Larry left his love of music and the love of band in so many hearts.  Just hearing from and connecting with others through his death shows how much he has touched us.

Mr. Smith was such a wonderful influence on my life as a high school student. I am saddened by his passing; sad but grateful - grateful for wonderful memories of a great man. I offer my deepest sympathy and wish peace to his family.

Larry will be missed by a generation of students whose lives he influenced for the better.  We are honored to have known him and will always remember him fondly.

OBITUARY

Larry Edwin Smith

November 22, 1946 – June 7, 2016

Rollins Funeral Home

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