Lawrence Davis Smith

Lawrence D. Smith was born on July 27, 1937, in Opelousas, Louisiana, the second to the oldest of three boys born to Oscar Smith Sr. and Virginia Davis Smith. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1957 in Port Arthur, Texas. He was known to most of his family and friends as “Bird” or “Larry.” Lawrence joined the United States Air Force, served his country from 1957 to 1965, and received an Honorable Discharge.

He was united in marriage to Helma Bourgeois on September 2, 1961, as prophesied by his mother, Virginia. Through this union, they were blessed with three children: Wesley, Paula, and Warren. He worked multiple jobs and found the time to attend college. He graduated from Texas Southern University with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and was a member of the TSU Veterans Club. He was a former president of the Port Arthur Houston Alumni Association. Lawrence was a faithful giver, and he constantly mentored and helped others. The Smith home was always open for family and others to stay, and through God’s blessings, he received a bonus son, his nephew Rodney Smith, Jr.

He received Christ at an early age and loved Jesus. There was always worship in the atmosphere because he would sing all the hymns and choir songs throughout the house. Lawrence became a Love United Methodist Church member, now known as Journey of Faith, and served faithfully until his health failed. He served as the lay leader, member of the trustee board, finance committee, pastoral care committee, choir, and president of the men’s ministry, and he held other roles in the church. There was never a dull moment when the men’s ministry would battle it out for the most tickets sold at the annual tea event.

He worked in management and process control engineering at Allegheny Technologies, Baker Hughes, and General Electric for forty-two years before retirement. The entire family witnessed the retirement event at his work and how it was revealed that he taught bible study during lunch hours. He obtained many awards for his excellent job performance. Lawrence was also visible and volunteering in the neighborhood where he lives with various Scenic Woods Plaza events.

Lawrence D. Smith was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar Smith Sr. and Virginia Davis; three brothers, Rodney Smith Sr., Oscar Smith, Jr., and George Smith; three sisters, Blanche Thomas, Sarah Fields, and Eula Linton. Recently, one daughter-in-law, Waitee Smith. Lawrence leaves to cherish his loving wife of sixty-two years, Helma; his children, Wesley (Nikki), Paula, and Warren (Waitee); grandson, Stedman (Kalyn); his sister-in-law, Della Smith; his brother, Joseph H. Whitlow; his great-niece, Eula Richard; his Godchild, Tiffany Horsfall; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.