Larry Darnell Smith was born June 22, 1959 to Gertie Wilkerson and Eddie Smith, Sr. in Wetumpka, Alabama. He is the oldest of eight children born to their union. He began his education in Wetumpka School and later moving to Detroit, MI he continued his education there. He played for Pop Warner Football Team in Detroit City. He also attended Northeastern High School. He was encouraged by his football coach, to continue his matriculation at Langston University in the Fall of 1979. While attending LU he served as Super Jock-DJ, Station Manager for KALU 90.7 and Student/Campus Photographer. Larry later met and married Dawna "Lisa" Crisp on August 11, 1984. Larry and Lisa celebrated 30-years of marriage and were blessed with two daughters; Larisa and Lauren. He worked 19-years at Mercury Marine in Stillwater while completing his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Broadcast Journalism/Communication at Langston, University. Larry realized his life needed reinforcement and structure, he joined his wife and daughters by accepting Christ and uniting with Mt. Bethel Baptist Church under the direction of Pastor James H. Davis. He also served the youth at church by serving the community as Royal Ambassador Leader for boys, singing with the Men of Bethel an later being an Ordained Deacon under Pastor Ron C. Carter. Larry battled with several illnesses and decided to re-dedicate his life back to Christ in May of 2014, under Pastor Gregory McCarroll. Larry made his transition early Saturday morning December 27, 2014. Both parents, one nephew Daryl Jr. preceded him in death. He leaves to cherish his memory; his wife Dawna, two daughters, Larisa of Oklahoma City, and Lauren of Langston, three grandchildren; Marc Jr. and Makai of Oklahoma City, and LaDerick Jr. of Langston, three sisters; Theresa (Zebede)Milton, Carolyn (Michael)Nettles and Peggy, four brothers; Theodore (Hermanetta), Eddie Jr. (Malena), Daryl (Chondra) and Brenson (Shamella) all of Detroit, Michigan, thirteen nieces and nephews, six aunts; Bernice, Flora, Linda, Betty, and Jeanette, one uncle: Leroy, two brother-in-laws; Darren (Claudia) Crisp of San Antonio, TX, Eric (Renee) Crisp of Norfolk, Virginia, a host of cousins, many other relatives and special friends, Tim Dortch, Andre Trotter, Francisco Vega, Archie Woods,and a very special son Joe Buford.