Lawrence David Smith, Sr.
September 28, 1935 – October 20, 2015
Lawrence David Smith, Sr., 80, of College Station, passed away on Tuesday, October 20 at the College Station Medical Center. A Life Tribute Service will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, October 24, 2015, at A&M United Methodist Church, 417 University Drive, College Station. Cremation services are in the care of Callaway-Jones Funeral Home and Crematory.
Lawrence was born on September 28, 1935, in Longview, Texas, to James York Smith and Nann Earle Steele Smith. He grew up in Jacksonville, Texas, and graduated high school in 1953. He attended Lon Morris College where he met his life partner, Mary Margaret Garner, of Palestine. He graduated from Stephen F. Austin in 1957 and married Mary Margaret on June 1, 1957. He taught school in West Columbia, Texas, for three years, and then found a home at Milby High School in Houston where he taught for 30 years. He retired from Houston ISD in 1990 and was called to the ministry in the Methodist Church. He became a local pastor and served at Zion UMC in Iola for one year, Cooks Point UMC for seven years and then as an associate pastor at A&M UMC.
Lawrence loved his years of teaching, with many of his former students still in his life. He also found great joy in serving small churches and loving the people he met. He was very blessed to enjoy his retirement with family and friends at the lake, hosting the retired ministers group, church small group, as well as youth and college groups.
Preceding him in death are his brother, James Ross Smith; his sister, Etta Myrle Smith Hutson; brother-in-law, Robert A. Garner; and his parents.
His survivors include his wife of 58 years, Mary Margaret; his son, David, and wife Janice Smith; his son, James; his son, Alan, and wife Lori Smith; grandchildren Amy, Eric, Matthew, Jared and Robert; three great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Julie Garner; brother-in-law, Bill Hutson and wife Mary Ann; along with several nieces and nephews.
Lawrence’s family would like to thank the medical staffs at the College Station Medical Center, The Isle at Watercrest Rehab, St. Joseph Rehab and Hospital and a special heartfelt thanks to all the kind and caring nurses in the ICU at The Med.
For those desiring, in lieu of flowers contributions can be made in honor of Lawrence to Cooks Point United Methodist Church, 4902 Texas 21, Caldwell, Texas 77836 or A&M United Methodist Church, 417 University Drive, College Station, Texas 77840.
We loved Lawrence so much. He was always so encouraging to us when our sons were young, and his ready smile made our Sunday mornings. We will miss him and were better for having known him.
Lawrence was a wonderful gentleman. He always had a smile and a genuine love for life and people. His guidance was sage and we always enjoyed being with him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mary Margaret, who he loved deeply and was always by his side, and all of their family. Lawrence will be greatly missed.
My friends, Mr. Smith and Mary have been in my life for 43 years. They have listened to crazy life stories and never once acted like I was intruding on their lives. This has always been their strong suit. I will miss Mr. Smith’s hugs, smile, showing me his latest art project, asking me about my family, his love of God, his bragging on Mary, his boys, his grandchildren and those great kids. I have read so many notes about my friend and have discovered his love and concern has covered so many more lives than I could ever imagined. My love to our Mary and the family.
Cathy
Brother Lawrence and Mary Margaret came into our family life when they came to Cooks Point United Methodist Church. My parents, Leon and Doris Shaw truly loved and appreciated their visits as they aged and became further house bond. Brother Lawrence was the first minister I felt comfortable talking too along with my son Preston. I loved the way he and Mary have taken to communicating via Facebook. His comments to posts and family pictures were greatly appreciated and kept him as a positive influence in our lives. Prayers to Mary and his family and many thanks for sharing Brother Lawrence with our family. God Bless.
Lawrence was such a sweet man and my heart is heavy knowing that he has passed away. I’m praying for you and your family Mary!
Love,
Edna
Mary Margaret sending our love to you,,,Smitty was such a good friend during our college life. So happy we were able to see you both the years we lived close. We all will miss him. Love Laverne
Alan, Lori, Robert
Our deepest sympathy in your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love to you all, Carlos and Karen
Mr. Smith was my English teacher for 3 years and my Psychology teacher at Milby 74′-77′. He was my favorite teacher and I still have many individual memories of him and things we did and learned in his class. A discussion on déjà vu in Psychology and about the book he saw on my desk (Helter Skelter) are just two of the most vivid memories. He made a difference! May he rest in peace. Condolences to the family on your loss.
My condolences to your family for your loss. He was a great man and a wonderful teacher. He was one of my favorites had him several years at Milby. I graduated in 1979 and went back to visit him after college…. Prayers for your family.
He was my sophomore English teacher at Milby High School. I remember his room was upstairs and never once did he raise his voice. His quiet and effective demeanor was never lost on me and Mr. Smith was one of the reasons I became a teacher later in life. One of the finest gentlemen I ever met.
I had Mr. Smith as a teacher at Milby High School. He taught me English and psychology. He was by far one of my favorite teachers ever, and because of him, I, too, have become a teacher. I remember well the sound mix of wisdom and humor he offered. To this day, my family and I use the expression “dark as the inside of a cow,” because I heard it from him first, thought it was hilarious, and have said it ever since. I have thought of him so many times over the years, and except for the year after I graduated, wished I had made the effort to see him again. I am heartbroken that he is not here for a follow-up visit, but I will see him again one day in Heaven. Since I have known Mr. Smith, I have become a Christian, and his love for God’s people has always been evident in his life. Thank you for sharing him with us!