LAWRENCE (LARRY) GILBERT SMITH
Lawrence (Larry) G. Smith, 79; a long-time resident of Cleveland passed away unexpectedly on June 4, 2019. He was born on June 21, 1939 and was just shy of his 80th birthday. He was a beloved son, brother, father/father-in-law and grandfather. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence G. and Thelma (Weaver) Smith, as well as his former wife, Barbara Ann (Crittenden) Smith.
A talented athlete, he played football, basketball, and was a hurdler on the track team for John Adams High School. After graduating in 1956, Larry went to Ohio State where he played for one year on the basketball team before enlisting in the U.S Army.
He later continued his education, receiving an undergraduate degree from California State University - Long Beach and his law degree from Cleveland Marshall Law School in 1972. His public service career included terms as a General Trial Referee for the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Domestic Relations Division, and as Chief Legal Counsel for the Ohio Department of Industrial Relations. Governor George Voinovich appointed him to serve in municipal court from January 10, 1995 to December 17, 1995 after which, he returned to private practice and continued to assist with legal cases until the time of his death.
Larry had a zeal for golf, cigars, politics, old movies and friendly conversation. He is survived by his sister, Karen L. Smith; his children Lawren A. Smith, Toye M. Smith and Erik A. Smith; his daughter-in-law, Suzanne M Smith; his grandson, Cree S. Smith and many friends, all of which added to the fullness which was his life.