1947 – 2014

SOUTH PARIS — Larry J. Smith, 66, of South Paris, entered into eternal life on Monday, March 31. His passing from this life was peaceful and he was surrounded by his beloved family, Betsy Gilbert and Tilda Kennison.

Larry was born in Rumford on Sept. 17, 1947. He grew up in the Norway/South Paris area and attended local schools, graduating from Oxford Hills High School in 1967.

He started his career right out of high school at SAD 17 as a custodian. He worked in several schools for the district, with his most memorable being OHHS. He cherished the memories and friendships with co-workers, Arthur, Roger and Chris. Larry retired due to failing health after 29½ years of dedicated service.

Larry loved watching the Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots and NASCAR, his favorite driver being Kyle Busch. Larry loved the controversial discussions he would have with neighbors and friends about this driver; he enjoyed nothing more than seeing the reactions he would get from the discussions. If he could get “a rise out of you,” he had accomplished his goal. His sense of humor was a huge part of who he was. He kept you on your toes, never knowing what to expect next.

Larry had a wall plaque in his home that read, “Friends are the family YOU choose.” He was blessed beyond words with all the friends he chose to be his family. He considered every caregiver who walked into his home over the past 18 years a part of his family. (You all know who you are.) Larry was an honest, generous and fun-loving man. He would do anything for anyone and give the shirt off his back if needed.

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Larry accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior. His favorite verses in the Bible were Psalm 143 and Ephesians 2:8-9. He found great comfort in the following song lyrics by Casting Crowns: “Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth /Would care to know my name / Would care to feel my hurt Who am I, that the bright and morning star / Would choose to light the way for my ever wandering heart / Not because of who I am / But because of what you’ve done / Not because of what I’ve done / But because of who you are I am a flower quickly fading / Here today and gone tomorrow / A wave tossed in the ocean / A vapor in the wind / Still you hear me when I’m calling Lord, You catch me when I’m falling / And you told me who I am I AM YOURS / Who am I, that the eyes that see my sin / Would look on me with love / And watch me rise again / Who am I, that the voice that calmed the sea / Would call out through the rain and calm the storm in me / Not because of who I am / But because of what you’ve done / Not because of what I’ve done / But because of who you are.”

He is survived by Betsy and Remi Gilbert and family of Sabattus; Tilda Kennison and family of South Paris; and Marie Stevens, Fawn Burhoe, Jeannie Wilcox, Betty Moore, Stacey Gammon, Holly Pulkkinen, Louanne Kennison, Michelle Murch and the entire Pulkkinen and Cordwell families.

Larry was predeceased by the love of his life, Arlene Plummer, in 2009.

The family extends heartfelt appreciation to Paulette Tabbs, RN, of Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice. Your kindness, love and support through the years brought us great peace and comfort knowing he was in the greatest hands. You are truly an angel. God Bless you.

Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.oxfordhillsfuneralservices.com.


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