Lawrence (Larry) Lavaun Smith

Lawrence (Larry) Lavaun Smith died Tuesday, July 15, 2008 at his home in Grants Pass, Oregon.

He was born August 21, 1929, in Safford, Arizona to Lewis and Faye (Heindselman) Smith. He was raised in Chowchilla, CA and moved to Antioch, CA in 1948. He was employed by Pittsburg Steel Co., was Manager of Ambrose Park in Pittsburg, CA and retired from Domtar Gypsum in Antioch, CA, in 1992. He and his wife Shirley (Mo) Smith, then retired to Grants Pass, OR to care for Shirley’s mother, Catherine McKee.

“Larry” as he was known by his friends, was liked by all who met him. He never knew a stranger. He made many new friends while pursuing his hobby in computer technology, and was never too busy to help someone with a problem.

He loved doing rock sculptures out of alabaster stone and had many pieces of art that he enjoyed working on. He also did metal sculptures and worked with wood, making many beautiful carvings for family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Kenneth, his infant son Robert and his stepdaughter Roberta. His is survived by his loving family, his wife, Shirley, 1 son, Gary Smith of Stevinson, CA, 4 daughters, Sherry Lester of Stevinson, CA, Gail Boone of Concord, CA, Robin Scesa of Gustine, CA, Cheryl Huckaby of Patterson, CA, 1 stepdaughter, Rhea Compton of Valley Center, Kansas, 8 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, 4 step grandchildren, and 1 step great grandaughter.

He will be deeply missed by his family and friends, but he will always be with us in spirit.