Larry Joe Smith, age 72, of Ranger, Georgia, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, May 24, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on May 28, 1953, in Murray County, Georgia, Larry was the son of the late Jess Hayes Smith and Jo Mae McElrath Smith. He was also preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife Barbara Jean “Pack” Smith; brothers Jackie and Wayne Smith; and sisters Joyce Smith and Susan Long.

Larry was one of a kind — a simple man with a big heart and a personality that could light up any room. He loved to laugh, joke, and make others smile. Whether he was telling stories, cutting up with friends, or teasing someone he loved, Larry never met a stranger and left a lasting impression everywhere he went.

He had a deep love for motorcycles and hot rods, and there was nothing he enjoyed more than talking about cars, riding the open road, and spending time doing the things he loved. But above everything else in life, Larry’s greatest joy was his family. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were his pride and joy, and he loved each of them with his whole heart. He was the kind of man who would do anything for the people he loved, always putting others before himself. Larry truly had a heart of gold. He was of the Baptist faith.

Those left to cherish his memory include his daughters, Robin White (Stephen) of Ranger, GA, Sherry Smith and fiancé Tim Mills of Dalton, GA, and Shell Smith (Paul) of Ranger, GA; special daughter, Tanya Roberts (Jack) of Dalton, GA; and special son, Chris Smith (Trisha) of Ranger, GA. 

He is also survived by his brothers, Danny Smith (Gayla) of Chatsworth, GA, David Smith of Ranger, GA, and Jerry Smith of Ranger, GA; sisters, Linda of Resaca, GA, and Judy Adcock (Ricky) of Sonoraville, GA; along with in-laws Patricia Smith of Ranger, GA, Bessie Faye Ralston, Bonnie Walker, and Keith and George Pack. 

Larry also leaves behind a family that adored him, including his grandchildren Jessie Smith, Zachery “Zac” White (Tyler), Jacob White (Madalyn), Eli Smith, Travis Mills (Tiffony), Timothy Mills (Brianna), Jasmine Roberts, Gabby Roberts, Jackson Roberts, and Hunter Smith; and his precious great-grandchildren Georgia White, Jackie White, River Mills, Cullen Mills, Weslynn White, and Copeland White. Every one of them held a special place in his heart, and he loved them more than words could ever express. 

A service to celebrate the life of Larry Joe Smith will be held Friday, May 27, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. from the Calhoun Chapel of Ponders Funeral Home with Reverend Mitchel Gaston officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. 

Larry will be laid to rest at Haven of Rest Memorial Garden with Zac White, Travis Mills, Chris Smith, Jessie Smith, Jackson Roberts, Danny Smith, and Hunter Smith serving as pallbearers. 

Though Larry will be deeply missed, his laughter, his kindness, and the love he shared with everyone around him will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Arrangements entrusted to: Ponders Calhoun Chapel 675 Jolly Road Calhoun, Georgia 30701 706-625-7577 www.selectedindependentfuneralhomes.org