Lawrence August Smith Jr.

Lawrence August Smith was born August 22,1952 in Jonesboro, AR. He was the youngest child of VaLora Bornhoft Smith of Weiner AR and Lawrence Smith of McCrory, AR. Lawrence and his older sister, Antionette (Toni), were raised in McCrory, AR. Larry attended Subiaco Academy in Subiaco AR for high school, and graduated in 1970. He then graduated in 1975, with a finance degree, from Arkansas State University while also working full time at Larry Smith Hardware and Auto Supply store. Larry would later buy the store from his dad, and expand the store into what was called an “essential” business during the 2020 pandemic.

Larry worked his whole life at the store first helping his mom and dad, and later as owner of the store. He was known for his excellent customer service and kindness with all his customers. Larry and his employees were always willing to lend a helping hand to customers, even after store hours. During his younger days in McCrory, Larry was involved with the volunteer fire department, keeping score for the local Jaguar high school football team, coaching little league baseball, participant in the Lions Club, and a devoted member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church serving on the parish board, as a eucharistic minister, and he was always fixing something at the church!

On April 7, 2000, Larry married Elizabeth Behringer Buckman. Elizabeth’s two children, Seth and Clare, were loved and cherished by Larry. Later that year, Veronica was born and joined the happy family. Larry and Elizabeth joined Christ the King Catholic church family in 2009 but still kept involved with their St. Mary’s church family. Larry’s family later expanded when all three children married and gave him five grandchildren—Seth (Caitlyn) Buckman and Rebekah and Callie of North Little Rock; Clare (Ethan) Turpen and Jason and Rohan of Conway; and Veronica (Jorge) Marquez and Lorenzo of McCrory. Besides his immediate family, he dearly loved his sister and brother-in-law, Toni (the late Tom) Connell, and her family and their spouses, Mary Liz (the late Danny) Robnet, William (Lisa) Connell and Patrick (Robin) Connell and their children.

During the three and a half years of Larry’s illness, he was blessed by the many friends and family around McCrory and Little Rock that were praying for him and sending many blessings his way. Those who knew the heart of Lawrence were truly blessed.

A visitation will be held from 12:00-12:30 PM on Friday, January 17, 2025 at Christ the King followed by a rosary. Funeral mass will begin at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to Abba House (1014 S. Oak St., Little Rock AR 72204) or Divine Mercy Health Clinic.