Larry Smith

Larry T. Smith passed away June 11, 2010 at his home in Pilot Point, Texas at the age of 68 after a four-month struggle with cancer. Larry was born August 4, 1941 in Cumby, Texas, the fifth child of Herman and Maude Smith. On October 8, 1960, he married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Mary Jo Moore, in Cumby. Larry and Mary Jo lived in Hurst, Texas from 1960 until 2000, when they moved to their ranch in Pilot Point. In addition to Mary Jo, Larry is survived by his three loving children, Sherri Farrill of Grapevine, Michael Smith of Pilot Point, and Jamey Smith and partner Gary McGaughey of Austin; brother James Smith and wife Dorothy of Colleyville; sister Genevieve Couch of Keller; grandchildren Kristi Headley, Scott Smith, Ashley Smith, Kelli Farrill and their spouses and partners; and great-grandson Gage Headley. As a young man, Larry entered the insurance business, a profession in which he thrived for the rest of his life, spending 15 years each at two companies in Dallas followed by nearly 20 years as an independent marketer. He also worked at the Gibson's store in Hurst for many years. In the second half of his life Larry took an interest in horse racing, and what began as a hobby eventually blossomed into a successful secondary career as a horseman. Larry and Mary Jo bought land in Pilot Point in 1990, named it Hidden Valley Thoroughbred Ranch, and visited on weekends for 10 years before building a house and moving there full time. Hidden Valley produced many fine thoroughbreds, including one, Thomas Jo, that placed third in the Belmont Stakes and was named Texas Horse of the Year in 1998. An accomplished businessman and natural leader, Larry was elected president of the Texas Thoroughbred Association several years in a row. Aside from his business interests, Larry was a dedicated community volunteer. He served on numerous boards and committees, including the local Main Street Program, and was proud that during his involvement the Texas Historical Commission chose Pilot Point as an official Main Street city. For three years he also convinced local children visiting the town square that he was Santa Claus. A strong believer in the importance of education, he put his leadership and management skills to work in recent years on the Pilot Point ISD School Board. He served as president of that board until his death and worked hard on behalf of the district's teachers and students. Larry enjoyed the outdoors, local high school sports, fast cars, and a good card game. He and Mary Jo traveled the world, with their insurance groups and independently, and made friends wherever they went, adding to their countless and ever-growing circle in Pilot Point and the Metroplex. Not one to sit around, Larry was always on the move, sometimes to the exasperation but mostly to the amusement of those who knew and loved him. His favorite motto was "Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen." A close runner-up was "You can sleep when you're dead." Sleep well, Dad, and know that you are sorely missed. The family wishes to thank the generations of friends, relatives, and neighbors who have been so supportive during Larry's illness. All are cordially invited to a visitation with the family at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, June 15, in the foyer of Midway Baptist Church, 9540 Hwy 377 South in Pilot Point. A celebration of Larry's life will directly follow at 2 p.m. in the church sanctuary officiated by Pastor John Theisen. Burial will follow at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park, 5725 Colleyville Boulevard in Colleyville. If you would like to honor Larry's memory, the family suggests with gratitude that in lieu of flowers donations be directed to the Cancer Research Institute at cancerresearch.org/give or 800-99-CANCER (992-2623). To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Larry Smith please visit our Sympathy Store.