Larry D. Smith

January 4, 1948 - January 12, 2022

LARRY D. SMITH, 74, of Quartzsite, AZ., passed away on January 12th, 2022. His wishes were to die on the Arizona Desert in his RV along with his dog Bojangles. He was the 2nd born of eight children to Warren and Mary Smith of Wallace, NE. Larry attended Wallace Public School graduating with the class of 1966. He participated on the WHS football, basketball, and track teams along with the Wallace community baseball program. After graduation, Larry moved to Denver, CO., where he worked for Gates Rubber Company. At that time, he was married to Linda Stewart of Grainton, NE. They had a daughter together, Sheila. In 1969 he was drafted and volunteered to join the U.S. Marines and served his country in Vietnam. After returning home, he worked different occupations settling on painting houses. He became a full-time Snow Bird and truly loved RV-ing in the Arizona desert during the winter and spending summers in Nebraska painting. He was a proud member of AA since April 1st, 1980, where he helped many other members stay sober. This fellowship helped him trudge the happy road of destiny, one day at a time. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Teresa; brother, Duane; brother-in-law, Red Miller; and nephew, Christopher Jessen. Larry is survived by his daughters, Sheila (Dave) Wampler of Denver, CO, and Cody; grandson, Jesse Wampler; sisters, Kathy Miller of North Platte, NE, Jane (Wade) Jessen of Norfolk, NE; brothers, Jim (Cathy) Smith of Wallace, NE, John (Vicky) Smith and Darrel (Frances) Smith of North Platte, NE. He also left many relatives and friends along with an entire fellowship of AA members. A memorial can be made to the Wallace Community Fund, which he always called home. Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com. Services will be held Saturday, March 26th, 2022, at 11:00 AM CST at the Wallace American Legion Hall with John Long officiating. Burial will be at the Morning View Cemetery with military honors by American Legion Post 213 of Wallace, NE. Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant is in charge of arrangements.