Larry Marise Smith

Larry Marise Smith Sr. gained his angel wings on June 15, 2026.

Born in Cleburne, Texas, on February 10, 1943, Larry was the son of Lawrence and Martha Rohan Smith. During his childhood, his family relocated to the Rio Grande Valley. He graduated from McAllen High School in 1961 and attended Pan American College in Edinburg, Texas, for a year.

In 1963, Larry met and married the love of his life, Patricia Aileen Ward. The following year, in 1964, he began a distinguished 36-year career with Shell Oil Company and relocated to Kenedy, Texas, where he and Patricia raised their family. Larry was a deeply dedicated worker; after his initial retirement from Shell, he continued to share his expertise as a consultant for an additional nine years. He and Patricia later moved to Rockport, Texas, to enjoy a full, well-deserved retirement surrounded by family and friends.

Larry was a vibrant part of his community and an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed being involved in the JAYCEES, bowling, playing pool, coaching Little League, and following all types of sports. Hunting and fishing adventures with family and friends always brought a brilliant smile to his face. In his quieter moments, he loved driving to the beach to watch the birds and people play in the water, and watching old Western movies with his family was always a special occasion.

He was truly one of the greatest men—kind, loving, gentle, and funny. Larry tackled every obstacle in life with grace. He touched countless lives with his warm hugs, bright smiles, and unwavering presence. He cherished his family and friends deeply, never treated a soul as a stranger, and constantly shared words of encouragement, wisdom, unconditional love, and laughter.

He is preceded in death by his parents Lawrence Smith and Martha Rohan-Smith, his brother Othel Wayne Smith and his sister Jeannie Kay Smith.

Larry is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia Ward Smith; his children, Larry Smith Jr. and Kimberly Smith Mikolajczyk; his siblings, Janet Smith (Steve) Schneider, and Julie Smith; his grandchildren, Leslie Drew (Emma) Mikolajczyk Jr., Stanley (Shelby) Mikolajczyk, Lane Gutierrez, Calli Smith, Shaylen Smith, and Livia Smith; and his great-grandchildren, Bella, Graysie, Skylyn, and Lincoln.  Also including additional extended and intended family members. 

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