Larry Gross Smith, age 77 of Forest City, died Saturday, August 31, 2024, at Hospice House in Forest City.  Larry was born on February 18, 1947, in Cleveland County and was a son of the late Wrenn Howard Smith and Louise Bland Smith Blanton. 

Larry was a member of the First Baptist Church of Rutherfordton, and a graduate of East Carolina University.  He worked for many years at Overnite Transport in Gaffney where he retired.  He was an antique car enthusiast who enjoyed working on and restoring old cars as well as attending car shows. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his step-father, Everett Blanton, and his brother, Pat Smith.

Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Barbara Walker Smith of the home, his son, Wrenn Smith and wife Melissa of Huntersville, NC, his step-daughter, Lori F. Barrett and husband Joey of Waco, NC, his sister, Beverly Marianna Plant and husband, Dr. Howard L. Plant of Taylorsville, NC, his grandchildren, Dr. Cody Barrett (Kerry) of Belmont, NC, Haley Hoyle (Taylor) of Boiling Springs, NC, Tanner Smith and Sabrina Smith both of Huntersville, and a great-grandson, Declan Hoyle, his sisters-in-law, Dr. Rhonda W. Mack of Mt. Pleasant, SC, Patricia Smith of Forest City, as well as two nephews, and three nieces.

The family will hold private graveside services.

Memorial contributions in his memory may be made to Hospice of The Carolina Foothills, Post Office Box 336, Forest City, North Carolina 28043.

The Padgett and King Mortuary & Crematory is in charge of arrangements and an online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com