Larry Donell Smith

Larry Donell Smith was born to the union of J.T. “Bud” and Ruby L. Smith. He was born on November 28, 1958, in Indianola, Mississippi. Larry was educated in both the states of Mississippi and Illinois.The family relocated to Illinois when Larry was 7 years old. Larry was educated in the Waukegan school system. His favorite pastime was hanging out with his nieces and nephews. He was the dedicated babysitter for three generations. He was highly respected as Uncle Larry or “Unc”. He was very kind hearted, but very protective of his family.

Larry earned the nickname “Hooker” because he seemed to always get into and win fights in his teen years. Later in life, he redirected that energy to becoming a boxer. He would train on McAlister St. at Renaldo Snipes gym. In his first match he knocked his opponent out cold.

Larry enjoyed building and repairing bikes for the neighborhood kids and himself. His talent for building things positioned him to build and create, as well as, sell his own or someone else’s “products”. Larry was a huge sports fan and loved to watch music videos on YouTube. He took pride in mentoring and sharing his hustling expertise with his nieces and nephews. Larry had a variety of careers. Depending on the season, he could be your landlord, maintenance man, psychologist or your local politician.

Larry lived life on his own terms. He believed in God and was baptized at Christian Valley Missionary Baptist Church in North Chicago, Illinois . After 64 years of living his best “playa” life, Larry went home to be with the Lord on February 25, 2023.

Larry is survived by his sons, Ja’Maal and Tae’Qeon Keys, Larry Smith and Da’Vel Johnson, 64 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; long-term partner, Patricia Keys: sisters, Alice (Walter) Lewis, Jacqueline Smith and Dorothy (Joel) Murphy; brother, JT (Janis) Jones; 16 nieces and nephews, several great and great-great nieces and nephews, and an abundance of cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, J.T. and Ruby Smith; brothers, James and Joe Eddie Smith; sisters, Ange Triplett and Loria Harvey; nephews, Dennis Tanner & Timothy Triplett and niece, Paris Muhammad.

A visitation will be held for Larry on Saturday, March 4, 2023 from 11 am - 12 pm, followed by a funeral service at 12 pm at Sign of The Dove Church, 424 10th Street, Waukegan, Illinois, 60085. Interment at Northshore Garden of Memories, 1801 Green Bay Road, North Chicago, Illinois, 60064.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MarshFuneralHome.com for the Smith family.