- Date Of Birth: July 4, 1947
- Date Of Death: March 5, 2022
- State: Mississippi
Larry Smith passed away suddenly on Saturday morning, March 5, 2022 with his wife Stephanie by his side. He was 74 years old.
Larry was born in Louisville, Kentucky to Walter and Margaret Smith. He graduated from high school at James Island High School in Charleston, South Carolina. After graduation, he attended Brevard College and graduated from Appalachian State University. He attended both colleges on full tennis scholarships.
Larry landed his first tennis job at the Stoneleigh Golf and Country Club in Atlanta, Georgia where he remained for 10 years and made many life-long friends teaching private lessons and coaching teams. Being a teaching pro did not allow Larry much time for his own tennis game, but he developed an obsession with running, and competed in numerous marathons and the annual Peachtree Road Race during this time.
Upon leaving the tennis business, Larry began his second career as an Executive with the Boy Scouts of America. Scouting took Larry to Brewton (AL), Tuscaloosa (AL), Albany (GA) and finally to Jackson where he finished his career with the Andrew Jackson Council. Larry was extremely proud of his legacy with the Boy Scouts, and the relationships he forged with that association, particularly in Jackson. He retired at the end of 2009.
In the 1990’s and early 2000’s Larry’s competitive tennis game flourished. He was consistently ranked in the top 10 in the South in multiple age groups for singles and doubles. His highest ranking came in 2005 when he was number 2 in the south in doubles. He was named Mississippi Male Player of the Year in 1999 and competed with Mississippi’s Senior Cup team. He was a fixture on the courts at the Courthouse and River Hills long after it was easy for him to play. He loved tennis and gave it up regretfully.
In 2000, Larry married Stephanie Barlow Maddox, joining a family for the first time and taking on the role of stepfather to her three children. Perhaps his fondest memories will be times spent at Jackson Prep and Millsaps College athletic events cheering for the younger athletes in the family.
Larry was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Stephanie, and his three stepchildren Drew Maddox (Carol) of Jackson, MS, Merrill Brown (Bryce) of Mendenhall, MS and Luke Maddox (Sarah) of Houston, TX and five grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Joyce S. Jenkins Merrill, and nephews Evans Jenkins, Jr. and Carlton Jenkins. All reside in Charleston, SC.
