11/09/2026
Abilene, Texas- Larry Lynn Smith, 84, passed away November 7, 2026.
Service with US Army honors will be 1pm Friday November 13, 2026 at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene.
Larry Lynn Smith
October 27, 1942 – November 7, 2026
Larry Lynn Smith, 84, of Abilene, Texas, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 7, 2026, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Larry was born October 27, 1942, in Snyder, Texas, and graduated from Snyder High School in 1961. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Army and served in air defense artillery at a Nike Hercules missile installation south of Abilene during the Cold War, including the Cuban Missile Crisis. He remained deeply proud of his military service and was a lifelong patriot.
In 1963, Larry married Leila Mary Hicks of Rotan, Texas. Together, they shared more than six decades of marriage and spent nearly their entire married life in Abilene, where they raised their family and built lasting friendships.
Following his military service, Larry worked for Coca-Cola in Abilene before beginning a 29-year career with Pitney Bowes as a field service engineer. He was known for his strong work ethic, reliability, and dedication.
Larry’s greatest joys were his family and friends. He enjoyed family camping trips, road trips, visits to the library, good conversation, and watching sports, especially baseball. In recent years, he became a devoted fan of the Abilene Flying Bison baseball team and treasured the friendships he formed through the team and its community.
Larry was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Alongside Leila, he encouraged his children to learn, explore, and pursue their own paths. He took great pride in his family and found great happiness in his children and grandchildren.
Larry faced his final illness with courage and determination. His family will remember his perseverance, patriotism, loyalty, and love, as well as the many ordinary moments that made his life extraordinary.
He is survived by his wife, Leila Mary (Hicks) Smith; his son, Kevin Smith, and daughter-in-law, Samantha Smith, and their children, Noah and Savannah; and his daughter, Crystal Hartman, and son-in-law, Trey Hartman, and their children, Kyle and Lauren.
Larry will be laid to rest at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene.
The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to Larry’s friends, neighbors, medical professionals, caregivers, and the Abilene Flying Bison community for their kindness, support, and prayers.
Larry will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.
In in lieu of flowers the family would like folks to consider donating to the West Texas Rehab Center.
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”
— 2 Timothy 4:7 (KJV)
Rest well, Soldier. Your duty is done.
Arrangements with Girdner Funeral Home, Abilene
