OBITUARY Lawrence Binyon SMITH December 13, 1938 – July 12, 2018 Lawrence Binyon Smith “Larry” passed away on Thursday afternoon, July 12, 2018 with the support of his children, Shannon (Danny Fisher) and Robert (Diane Smith) at his bedside. Larry was lovingly known as “Big Daddy” to all 6 of his grandchildren. Grandsons: Tristan Fisher, Holden Fisher, Silas Fisher, and Granddaughters: Jude Fisher, Sydney Smith, and Madeleine Ragan.
Larry, son of Austin and Elizabeth Smith, is also survived by his 3 siblings that all live out west: Katie Lambert, Mary Martha Feld (Al Feld), and David Smith (Cathy Smith) and his nieces and nephews David and Kimberley, Austin and Eric, Austin and Lee Ellen along with several great nieces and nephews. Larry was in the US Navy for 4 years and that is how he made his way to Virginia Beach where he met the love of his life, Audrey. After the Navy, Larry worked for Texaco Inc. for 30 years and moved to the Richmond area early in his career, raising his family in a wonderful neighborhood called Surreywood.
Larry was a “legend” in the Surreywood community, says several of Robert and Shannon’s friends. He shared his time and talent, gave back in many ways, and was always ready for a good joke or prank. He was an avid tennis player and at 6’4”, had a booming serve, helping him win many club tournaments!
One of Larry’s proudest accomplishments was his service on the PTA of his kids’ schools, Providence Middle and Manchester High. He raised funds and worked with the principal on policies to help improve those schools. He and Audrey also volunteered as chaperones for many school dances, proms, and Capital Swing (show choir) road trips in which Robert, Shannon, and Danny participated!
He also went to every ball game to cheer on the team, but had the most fun yelling at the referees. His baritone voice could be heard from afar! Larry and Audrey were married for 37 years, a dedicated duo, until she passed away from ovarian cancer in 2001.
Larry made the best of his retirement, continuing to give back to the causes closest to his heart. He volunteered at Henrico Doctor’s Hospital for 17 years, the hospital where his wife, Audrey, was treated for cancer. He gave up tennis and focused more on another game he loved, golf, becoming quite an accomplished player.
He loved to travel and was always up for a road trip out west to visit his siblings and old friends along the way. Our beloved dad was very supportive, generous, and always interested in what was going on with all of his family. He checked in often, wrote letters and post cards when he was away, and always complimented his daughter’s cooking by saying “Mighty Good” (even if it wasn’t all that good).
He went to every soccer, softball, and lacrosse game he could manage…and continued to yell at the refs while also cheering on his grand kids. He made friends everywhere he went, adjusted to his changing living situations (assisted living) by having an open mind and positive attitude. He was truly loved and enjoyed by everyone that took the time to get to know him.
Big Daddy was a huge presence in our lives and he will be missed. The family would like to thank the following facilities and providers along with all of their hardworking caregivers that supportive all of us during the final months: Lexington Rehabilitation and Healthcare Spring Arbor Cottage of Richmond AseraCare Hospice Dr. Samuel Janney from Lee Davis Medical Associates (thank you for all of your support over the last 10 years! ) In lieu of flowers, an account is being created to accepted donations for the grandchildrens’ college funds.
A memorial celebration is being planned and will be held in Richmond, VA at a later date.
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