Robert Larry Smith

The writer Emerson stated “To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” For Robert Larry Smith, it would be an apt description of the way he chose to live his earthly journey. Larry was born July 15, 1945 in Newnan and was one of three children born to the late Harvey L. and Lavonia Thompson Smith. He became a part of a larger extended family that was well-known in Moreland where the family made their home. As a young man, he became a part of First Baptist Church of Moreland. He was a Boy Scout in Troop 48 and his life course was enriched by his involvement in scouting and his church. After graduating from Newnan High School in 1963, Larry attended The University of Georgia School of Pharmacy, graduating in 1968. After graduating, he married his high school sweetheart Phyllis Prince on June 22nd of that same year. Larry became a rich source of knowledge for all his pharmacy customers, for he was always eager to catch up on family news, or lend a caring moment for those who just needed someone in whom they could confide. He worked downtown at Connally’s Rexall Store, Hospital Discount Pharmacy and later at K-Mart until his own health issues forced him to retire. Although he could not continue his professional career, Larry had many interests that kept him occupied. He could probably be called a Renaissance man for all his artistic inclinations. He loved designing floral arrangements and was a frequent participant in Powers’ Crossroads and The Cotton Picking Fair for 30 years. He and his brother, Richard, owned Flowers by LaRich in downtown Newnan for two years. His creative instincts were applied to his love for gardening and he took pleasure in the beauty he created on his property in Moreland. And, oh, his love for animals was something else! Yorkies and Westies were favorites. Rascal and Mattie took second billing to nobody. The wayward stray cat could become an instant favorite with him. Larry’s faith was firmly grounded in his beloved First Baptist Church of Moreland. He served faithfully as a deacon and church treasurer, taught Sunday School with Phyllis, and shared his wonderful singing voice as long as he was physically able. Larry always felt that God would use the gifts given to him as long as he was able. He did that to pay forward as a testament to the faithfulness of the Lord and the great trust Larry placed in Him. He knew that his courage and strength to continue on in life under some very trying circumstances was a direct benefit of that faithfulness to the God who created him. Larry also knew that God placed a very special woman in his life in his wife Phyllis. For 48 years, she was his companion, constant aide and advocate, if need be. Larry was the exemplary father to his beloved daughters Kimberly Smith Pelletier and her husband Joe; Stacey Smith Henderson and her husband Kevin. He was brother and friend to his siblings Harvey Richard Smith and Gail Smith Carroll and her husband Len. He adored his grandchildren Josh Pelletier, Daniel Pelletier, Eric Henderson and Matthew Henderson. He is also survived by a nephew Jeff Carroll and his wife Leslie and their children Camille Carroll and Andrew Carroll. There are innumerable cousins and extended family in the Thompson and Smith families. Visitation with the family will be at McKoon Funeral Home on Saturday evening, November 26th between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM. His life will be lovingly remembered in a service to be held on Sunday, November 27, 2016 at 2:00 PM in the McKoon Funeral Home chapel led by Dr. Daniel Ausbun and Reverend Searcy Jackson. Interment will follow at Southview Cemetery in Moreland. Larry was always soft spoken, but sincere. In remembrance of him always know, as he said so often, “I love you and God loves you, too.” Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.mckoon.com. McKoon Funeral Home 770-253-4580.

Robert Larry Smith

July 15, 1945 - November 23, 2016