Lawrence Edward Smith

Private U.S. Marine Corps

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."

2nd Timothy 4:7-8

Lawrence Edward Smith made his debut on October 31, 1948 in Camden, AR to Harvey and Myrtle Broadnax Smith.  He was one of five boys and eight girls born to this union.

Lawrence accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age and he became a member of Greater St. Paul Baptist Church.

As a lad, Lawrence learned the importance of family, the value of hard work, and the spirit of community.  And he would, oftentimes, speak of the life lessons taught by his beloved parents.  Lawrence would carry these teachings from this youth, while receiving his education from Lincoln High School into adulthood.

The wisdom imparted to him served him well after he enlisted in the United State Marine Corps to proudly serve his country.  Private Lawrence E. Smith was initially stationed in San Diego, California, but his military duties led him to Japan, Korea, and other countries as well.

In 1968, he was deployed to Vietnam where he fought in the Vietnam War.  By the time he was discharged from the 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, he was a disabled veteran and a decorated soldier.

He received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon, VCO.  After his stint in the military, his life's journey took him to New York City, NY and Chicago, IL for many years before returning to Arkansas.  And he said if he never went anywhere else that was perfectly fine with him because he had traveled all over the world.

Lawrence was a man of many talents and he was often called upon to repair various plumbing and carpentry issues.  His skill set kept him in demand and sometimes he would work free of charge.  After a long day's work, he would unwind by watching tv, listening to music, dancing, and spending time with family and friends.  He loved to cook, tell combat stories, and reminisce about the olden days.

Lawrence was one of a kind and he will truly be missed.  He departed this life Wednesday, February 07, 2024 at John L. McClellan Memorial Veteran's Hospital.  He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, and five sisters.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of ten years, Florene Smith; stepdaughter, Carmella Green; and step granddaughter, Makya McClain or Pooh Mama as he affectionately called her, all of Camden, AR.  He also leaves three sisters who loved him dearly, Maynorma Smith of Jacksonville, AR, Sheila Adair (Eddie) and Earlene Smith both of Camden, AR; and he leaves two sisters-in-law, Christine Daniels of Clarendon, AR and Betty Robinson of Irving, TX; and brother-in-law, Bobby Robinson of Chidester, AR; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visitation will be Friday, February 16, 2024 from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Proctor Funeral Home.  Service will be Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Proctor Funeral Home.  Interment will be at Eternal Rest Cemetery in Camden, AR.

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts by troubled and do no be afraid."

John 14:27