Larry Joe Smith

Larry Joe Smith, 61, died unexpectedly at his home in Ridgeland on Tuesday, June 3, 2014. He was preceded in death by his parents Bruce and Corrine Smith, Uncle Truitt Smith, Cousin Barbara Little, Mother-in-Law Nan Hadden and Nephew Jeffery Brown.

He is survived by his wife, pardner and crew chief of 29 years Sarah Smith. Aunt Marcia Smith, Cousins Kendall & Susan Smith, Whitney Carter, Brian Little, Julie Harper, Billy Little, the Wolfe family, in-laws Clay and David Brown and David Shamlin.

Larry graduated from New Hebron High School and earned an Associate Degree from Copiah Lincoln Jr. College. He served in the MS National Guard. Larry retired as a diesel mechanic from Yellow Freight Systems after 31 years.

Larry was an avid drag boat racer with MSDBA. Larry and his boat Southern Comfort earned high point championships in SS from 1985 through 1989 and SG 1991 and 1992. Larry served as MSDBA Jet Boat Representative and was a member of the Board of Directors. (Yes, Larry still has his Lifeline jacket and helmet).

Larry shifted his passion to drag car racing. Larry and his car Spot produced Wally, Wally, Wally and Iron man. (Yes, Larry still has Iron Man’s velvet lined box).

Larry did not race to win but to be with his friends. Larry’s Honorary Pit Crew is his New Hebron Graduating Class, Ross Barnett Welcoming Committee, LS7 JET KIDS, the Drag Boat Racing Community, the Drag Car Racing Community and the Car Cruising Community.

Larry supported DRAW, Racers for Christ, Godspeed Ministries and St. Jude.

A gathering will be held for his New Hebron family and friends on Sunday, June 8, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at the New Hebron Activity Center, New Hebron, MS.

A celebration of Larry’s life will be held in Ridgeland, MS at a later date.