Larry Lavon Smith

Larry Lavon Smith, 73, passed away on Monday, January 6, 2025, at his home in Crestview, Florida. He was born in Florala, Alabama on March 20, 1951, to Barbara and Hoover Smith.

Larry attended Church on Bayshore, in Niceville, Florida. He met his high school sweetheart Thesa Aline Phillips at Rutherford High School, Panama City, Florida in 1969. Upon graduating high school in 1970, Larry worked for Gulf Power. He and Thesa were married in 1973. He was hired as a firefighter at Panama City Airport 1974, then started working for the Panama City Fire Department in 1975. He moved up through the ranks from 1975-2004 and retired as Battalion Chief.

He also worked part time at Panama City Fire Equipment. His part time job changed to Sears Delivery where he worked for 17 years. He then worked for Commercial Supply and stayed with that company until 2004. He later worked full time for TEK Industries from 2004-2013.

Larry had a strong faith in the Lord and walked with Jesus daily. He instilled this belief in his three children: Laura, Scott and Beth. Larry led a full life filled with a deep love for the Lord and for his family. He often said that his greatest accomplishment and legacy were the lives his children now lead.

Larry is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Thesa Phillips Smith of Crestview, Florida; His children: Laura Smith Gardner and her husband Heath Gardner of Fort Walton Beach, Florida; Scott Smith and his wife Christina Smith of Cumming, Georgia; and Beth Smith of Orlando, Florida. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Megan Gardner, Jonathan Gardner, Audrey Gardner, Victoria Gardner, Hayden Smith, Skyler Smith: and great grandson, Hudson Martin-Smith; and many cherished brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

Larry was preceded in death by his son Tomas Allan Smith; his father, Herbert Hoover Smith; his mother, Barbara Ann Crews, his stepfather; Harold Crews; and his half-brother David Crews; his father-in-law, John Henry Phillips, his mother-in-law, Dorothy Mae Phillips and grandson, Troy Alexander Gardner.

Viewing starts at 1:30 pm for the family and friends and the service will start at 2:00 pm at Immanuel Baptist Church, 216 College Avenue, Panama City, Florida.

Graveside service to follow at Parker Cemetery, Parker, Florida.

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