Larry James Smith

RAYNE - Funeral services will be held at Gossen Funeral Home Chapel on Thursday, February 11, 2016, at 2:30 p.m. for Larry James Smith, 68, who died Sunday, February 7, 2016, in Acadia General Hospital in Crowley.
Interment will be in the St. Joseph Cemetery #2, Rayne.
Surviving are one daughter, Sabrina Bilodeau Smith of Canada; his “lil’ sister” godchild/niece, Lisa Smith Soileaux and husband Darrell of Rayne; two brothers, Jimmy Smith, Sr. and wife Peggy of Rayne, and Kenneth Smith of Mire; niece, Janice Smith Stutes and husband Thomas of Crowley; nephew, John Dale Duplechine of Mire, nephew, Jonathan Smith of Mire, niece, Shase Smith of Mire, great-niece, Leslee Soileaux Gagliano and husband Sam, great-nephew, Tommy Stutes and wife Simone, great-nephew, Trent Stutes; his great-great nieces and nephews, Jude, Cecilia, Madeline, Catherine, Samantha, Isabella, Trevor, Emily; along with a number of loving and caring family members and close friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence Joseph “Chak” Smith and Bernice Cormier Smith; nephew, Jimmy “Bubba” Smith, Jr., and financée and love of his life, Glenda “T-Cat” Young.
Larry proudly served as an infantryman during the Vietnam War where he rose to the rank of Sergeant in the U.S. Army. As a member of the 1st Calvary Division, his decorations included the Bronze Star, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, the Air Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. Memorial Day was a special time for him as he remembered his fallen comrades lost during that horrific time of U.S. history.
Known as “Uncle Larry” by many, his quick wit and amusing stories will be missed by the many he had come to know throughout his 20 years he was employed as maintenance supervisor of the Rayne Housing Authority, in addition to his previous employment at Rayne-Branch Hospital and The Morrow Company.
He never met a stranger and was always willing to strike up a conversation, no matter the topic. French was a language he loved and was always willing to visit with older residents about their Cajun roots. He was one of a kind and will be remembered for his sense of humor and willingness to help others.
Larry was a 1966 graduate of Rayne High School and also completed double studies at the present-day Louisiana Technical College, Acadian Campus, in Crowley.
Friends will be received at Gossen Funeral Home, Inc., Rayne, Wednesday, February 10, 2016, 1:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and Thursday, February 11, 2016, 8:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.
A rosary will be recited Wednesday, February 10, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. at Gossen Funeral Home in Rayne.
Friends may view the obituary and guestbook online at www.gossenfuneralhome.net.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Gossen Funeral Home, Inc. of Rayne, LA, (337) 334-3141.SMITH