LaRoy W. Smith was born on April 26, 1942 to Alyce and Roy Smith in Liberty, Texas. He grew up in the small rural community of Tarkington Prairie where his grandfather had established a small country store. He was surrounded by his aunts, uncles, cousins and his grandfather; all of whom played a key role in his childhood. He attended Tarkington Prairie High School where he graduated at the top of his class with honors. After high school he went to College Station, Texas to attend Texas A&M University where he later received a degree in Electrical Engineering. with his diploma in hand, he went to work for NASA at Clear Lake City, Texas and worked on some of the early space explorations. He was privileged to work for two Fortune 500 Companies, IBM and Wells Fargo.
On March 21, 2002 LaRoy was diagnosed with early on-set of Alzheimer's. As his world grew smaller, he picked up his camera and began to capture the beauty of the desert and the Tucson sunsets.
LaRoy is survied by: Bettie J. Smith, his wife and high school sweetheart.
Three children:
Carol Smith of, Tucson, Airzona, Chris Smith of, Aspen Colorado and Jennifer Carriere of Tucson Airzona.
Six Grandchildren:
Nicholas and Gina Stanghellini
Hayden, Hope, Halle and Hudson O'Leary.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested that donations be made to the Miracle Center P.O. Box 30308 Tucson, Airzona 85751-0308.
The Miracle Center is a non-profit organization that works with homeless women in the Tucson community.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
March 4, 2013
Kathy & Mickie Bollfrass
So sorry to hear of Buzz's passing. I know sometimes these are mixed blessings not wanting to keep a loved one in limbo when Alzheimer's is a part of the equation with the long goodbye. We have so many positive and warm memories of the entire family, esp times in Houston as the kids were growing up together. May God grant you peace and serenity within his plan for this time of grieving.
November 8, 2012
Margaret Hammack Elkins
What a wonderful family. So many memories of Alyce , Frenchy and Buzzy. Prayers for all the family.
November 3, 2012
Bettie, My sincere sympathy to you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God's blessings to you and your family always.
Wanda "WD" (whiddon) Bridges
November 2, 2012
Melissa Wisdom Horn
Aunt Bettie & family,
My heart goes out to you & your family for your loss. You are in my thoughts & prayers. I pray that the Lord will wrap his loving arms around you & give you peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7)
Love you all,
Melissa
November 1, 2012
Lonnie & Carole Blake
Bettie, Carole and I pray God's peace and comfort upon you and your family. Our sympathy goes out to you.
November 1, 2012
Bettie, Many memories of Bussy in school, prayer for you and your family.
Jonan Barnett Eberlan
November 1, 2012
Leon Wells
Bettie and family,
Our sincere sympathy over the loss of LaRoy....you will be much in our thoughts and prayers in the days ahead.....love and God's comfort....Leon and Faye
October 31, 2012
Larry And Darlene Whitmire May god bless you will be missed.
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