Larry Smith

Larry Robert Smith, born on March 27, 1966, in St. Joe, Michigan, departed this world on August 12, 2025, in Pokagon, Michigan. He was a kind soul whose warmth and friendly spirit left an indelible mark on everyone he encountered. The love of his family and the beauty of nature were two constants that shaped his life, and both will forever echo in the hearts of those who knew him.

Larry's childhood was spent in Sister Lakes, where he cultivated his inherent friendliness, often waving to passing strangers, his heart ever open. Upon graduating from Dowagiac High School in 1984, he embarked on a journey that led him to Florida for part of his life, yet his affection for his home state of Michigan never waned. "I would always take a Michigan winter over a hurricane," he would say, reflecting his unwavering love for the seasons that painted the beauty of his homeland.

The joys of golfing and landscaping filled Larry's days, with his time spent at Hampshire Golf Course being particularly cherished. He was fortunate enough to live right next to the course, a dream come true for someone who found peace and joy in the game. A member of two golf leagues, he found elation in tee times and the camaraderie of fellow golfers. He loved tailoring his property to fit his personality and needs, transforming it into a reflection of his passions and care. His garden, tended with the same devotion instilled in him by his father, became a sanctuary of blooms and greenery. In his younger years, Larry also embraced woodworking, leaving behind tangible pieces of his creativity that his family holds dear.

Larry was a devoted sports fan, especially when it came to Notre Dame football—he bled blue and gold. Saturdays were sacred, filled with cheers and unwavering loyalty. He also rooted for the Detroit Lions and Tigers, always ready to celebrate a win or weather a loss with good humor and heart.

He especially loved Cedar Key, Florida, where his parents wintered from November through March. It became a treasured place of reunion and joy, where family gatherings and extended visits created lasting memories. His sister fondly recalls the entire family coming together in Cedar Key to celebrate their parents’ 50th wedding anniversary-a moment of love and togetherness that remains etched in their hearts.

His bonds with family were strong and meaningful. He shared a particularly special connection with his sister Vickie. Together they navigated through life's highs and lows, a testament to the strength of familial ties. As the last surviving siblings revealed a deep love and mutual understanding, his companion in life during their final years together. His nieces and nephew-Julie, Jeff, and Sarah, whom he affectionately called "Jules Bergman," "Jeffro," and "Sar-age" respectively-look back on their time with him with great fondness. Julie reflected on Larry’s journey, noting, “His soul is now free, he's no longer suffering, alone. He's surrounded by loved ones now.” Jeff encapsulated Larry’s essence with his warm recollection, saying, “All I can say is I remember him in the light of an uncle, father, husband, and brother at his best.”

Larry is survived by his devoted sister Vickie and her husband Phil, along with three treasured nieces, a nephew, and seven grand nieces and nephews. He rejoins his beloved parents, Lawrence “Larry” and Vada Smith of Sister Lakes Michigan, along with his siblings Debbie, Steve, and Mike, his very special nephew Mark, maternal grandparents from Kansas and paternal grandparents from Bear Lake, Michigan, all celebrating his arrival in the peace of eternity.

As we bid farewell to Larry Smith, let us carry forth his legacy of joy, warmth, and love for family and nature, forever remembering a gentle spirit who enriched our lives in ways words can scarcely express.