A devoted loving husband and father departed this earthly home for his eternal home, August 21, 2018.

Larry Bernard Smith was born, October 4, 1949 in Denver, CO to the union of Robert Emerson Smith Sr. and Bernice Jones Smith. He was the 3 ^rd of 4 children born to this union.

At the age of 4 years old, Larry and his family moved to Muskogee. Larry attended Langston Elementary School and graduated from Historic Manual Training High School with the class of 1967.

During his youth, Larry attended and was baptized at Macedonia Baptist Church by Rev. Tommy McFrazier. He continued to fellowship with his wife at Peters Chapel AME Church Muskogee throughout his life.  Their daily morning prayer was, "Thank you Lord for this day, help us to live it in your way…".

Larry received a scholarship from Okmulgee Technical Institute OSU in Culinary Arts. He graduated from there at age 19 and returned home to work at Container Corporation.

On July 1, 1970, Larry was inducted into the Armed Forces of the United States during the Vietnam War. He received an Honorable discharge in January of 1972 and returned to Container Corporation but later passed the Fireman's test and became a Muskogee Fireman. He often mentioned that this was the most exciting and rewarding job he had.  He was an active person and was required to ride on the outside of the truck (this no longer occurs).

Later in 1972 he felt the need to leave Muskogee and re-enlist in the military. He had met the love of his life.  During his military stays he completed two tours of duty in Korea and served at Ft. Leonard Wood Missouri and Ft. Carson Colorado.  He received two honorable discharges.

Larry became a Master in Martial Arts. He competed in Tae Kwon Do Karate competitions.  He had his own Karate School in Muskogee, training children and adults. He truly loved Martial Arts earning an 8 ^th Degree Black Belt.  He was also a member of the Wild Bunch Karate Club.

He met his future wife, Denise Beasley January 1972. They married August 11, 1973 and enjoyed 45 years of marriage.  Upon returning home from his second military enlistment.  He entered Northeastern State University and graduated with a BS in Business Administration in 1980.  After college, he began another career as a Food Service Supervisor at Jess Dunn Correctional Center. He remained in this position for 7 years.  He finally moved to Tulsa and completed his work career at Conley Corporation as a Shop Supervisor, alone side, his Karate Master the late Robert (Bob) Kinney.  He retired after 14 years with this company.  He and his wife enjoyed retirement, traveling many places, until his health failed.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Eleanor Reed and Rosalyn Smith and his brother, Robert E. Smith, Jr.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Denise, sons, Robert F. Smith and Ricky Lamar (Carla) Smith and granddaughters, Antaneka, Kennedeigh, Terri and Alexis, his cousins, Hoyt, Carolyn, Iralene, Eleanor Ann and Elliott, Madolyn, Sheron, Angie, Marsie, Maurice Jr., and four nephews, Julius, Kevin, Jerry and Jamille Reed, his great nieces, Chrissie, Kaydence, Journee, Nevaeh and Eleanor, along with other family members, friends, and his loyal Karate brothers and sisters. Larry will truly be missed.

A Home Going service is scheduled, Monday, August 27, 2018, 11:00 a.m., Harvest Ministries Church, 2200 E. Okmulgee, Muskogee, OK; with interment to follow in Ft. Gibson National Cemetery, Ft. Gibson, OK.  Military honors performed by Ft. Sill Honors team.

Visitation will be Sunday, 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

The family has been cared for by House of Winn Funeral Home & Cremations.