Larry Smith, 80

Lawrence R. (Larry) Smith, age 80, of Centreville, passed away on Friday, October 31, 2025 at Bronson Hospital with family at his side as he peacefully crossed to the other side. He was born on June 18,1945 in Flint, MI, the son (twin #1) of George and Gladys (Foulkes) Smith. The Smith family moved to Greenville, MI in 1946. Larry graduated from Greenville High School in 1963, and from Ferris State University in 1965. He served in the United States Army as a drill instructor from 1966 until 1968, when he was discharged as an SSG E-6.

On October 17, 1970 Larry married Dorothy Gordon, and together they raised their family on the farm called “Harmony Hills”. Larry’s hobbies were motorcycles, vintage automobiles, and singing in a barbershop chorus. Larry was employed in the Engineering Departments of Kirsch Co. and Sutton Tool Co. in Sturgis. He retired from Kalamazoo Chuck Manufacturing Co. of Schoolcraft as Chief Engineer.

Surviving are his wife Dorothy; sons Billy (MaryJo), Bob (Deb); both sons of whom he was so proud of the young men they grew to be; granddaughters Cree (Karly), Teeva (Nate); great grandchildren Lyra and Ronin; sister Joanne (John) Sinclair; sister-in-law Pat Smith and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Tom; twin brother Leonard (Judy) Smith.

Early mornings were a very special time for Larry. He would sit on the couch, coffee in hand with his eye on the world, taking in the scenes with calmness and admiration of our Harmony Hills nature, which he so appropriately named. He would refer to the property as “our little piece of Heaven on earth”. What a beautiful way to begin a new day. Many times he’d say, “If I died today, I’ve had a good life”. What a wonderful quote for us to remember and carry in our hearts forever.

Larry was a quiet, gentle, caring, and loving person. His family was his pride and joy. His goodness, warmth, wisdom, and loving nature will be greatly missed by his family.

Cremation has taken place. Relatives and friends will be received Friday, November 7, from 4 to 6 PM at Eley Funeral Home in Centreville. If you choose to make a contribution in Larry’s memory, please consider St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or a charity of your choice. Visit Larry’s online memorial page to leave a message for his family at www.eleyfuneralhomes.com.