Lawrence “Larry” James Smith of Wolcottville, Indiana, passed away on Monday, April 20, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born on October 7, 1947, in Winchester, Indiana, to Orda H. Smith and Alice Virginia (MacFatridge) Smith, and grew up in Parker City, Indiana.

Larry graduated from Monroe Central High School in 1965. During his school years, he was active in sports—running cross country and track, and playing both basketball and baseball throughout junior high and high school. He was also an Eagle Scout and a member of the Order of the Arrow, scouting’s national honor society.

In his younger years, Larry was an avid tap dancer with the Tap Steppers. His dance team appeared on the television show Midwestern Hayride and won two first-place prizes at the Kentucky State Fair.

He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from November 1966 to August 1968. During his service in the Vietnam War, he worked as a radio teletype operator and received an award for achieving a high physical training score.

Following his military service, Larry worked a variety of jobs, from meat cutting to serving on a paving crew, before ultimately finding his calling on the open road. He spent the majority of his career as a long‑haul truck driver, running routes from California to New York and taking pride in the miles he logged and the people he met along the way. He later concluded his driving career with Keystone Travel Trailers, where he finished his working years doing what he loved most.

Larry was honored with induction into the Monroe Central Athletic Hall of Fame and was a member of the American Legion.

He loved spending time outdoors, especially mowing and tending to his place on Westler Lake. Nothing made him happier than having company drop by, sharing stories on the deck, or settling in to watch one of his favorite Clint Eastwood movies. People were naturally drawn to him—his vibrant personality, his gruff exterior, and the unmistakable heart of gold beneath it all.

He is survived by his children: Toni Smith Burgos (James) of Farmland, Staci Smith Davis (Shawn) of Muncie, and Shelli Smith (Mike) of Anderson; the mother of his children, Elaine Bailey of Farmland; three grandchildren: Clayton, Skyler, and Addisen; three great-grandchildren: Marlee, Mia, and Carsyn.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents; and his brother, Robert Smith.

Larry will be remembered for his strong work ethic, dedication to his family, and the life he built through perseverance and service. He was a father and friend you could always count on.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a local animal shelter or the American Legion. Larry’s love for animals was evident in his cherished dog, Cleveland, and in the memory of his beloved dogs, Tiffany and Zoey, who preceded him.

Visitation will be Sunday, April 26, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Young Family Funeral Home, Wolcottville Chapel, State Road 9, North, Wolcottville.

Military graveside services will be Monday, April 27, 2026, at 12 p.m. at Elm Ridge Memorial Park, 4600 West Kilgore Ave., Muncie.

View a video tribute after Sunday or share memories and condolences at www.youngfamilyfuneralhome.com