Larry M Smith

Larry M. Smith, age 79, of Berwick, PA died Saturday, October 16, 2021, at the Geisinger Medical Center in Danville.  Born on December 14, 1941, in Berwick, PA, he was the son of the late Jacob Clair Smith and Audrey Mae (O’Neal) Smith.

He graduated from Berwick High School in 1960 and then went on to continue his education at Williamsport Tech.  Larry entered the work force as a welder, and continued to become a welding supervisor and welding instructor for many years.  He worked on nuclear power plants, including those in Berwick, PA, Washingtonville, PA, Three Mile Island, Perry, Ohio and Oswego, NY.

In 1979 Larry received a call from the Lord and moved to Texas to study in Biblical studies at LeTourneau College, Longview and East Texas Baptist College, Marshall.  He graduated with a Bachelors of Applied Science and Pastoral Studies in 1981. 

At the time of his death, Larry was the Pastor of Almedia Bible Church in Bloomsburg, PA.  He served in Christian ministry here since 2012.   Immediately prior to this he led a church from his home.  Previous churches were in Walnutport, PA and Lisle, NY where he was ordained.

He is survived by his wife, Fern Jean Smith with whom he recently celebrated his 55th wedding anniversary on June 25, 2021; his daughter, Brenda Mae Smith Troy of Huntington Mills, PA; a son-in-law, Robert Keith Troy; grandchildren:  Robert Keith Troy, Jr, Samuel Jacob Troy and Kansas Lynn Troy; Haley Faith McTague, fiancé to Samuel Troy and Elizabeth Owens, companion to Robert Troy, Jr.; great-grandchildren; Greyson Jacks Troy, Leslie Gail Troy, Bentley Chase Albertson and Skylar Ann Troy, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

First and foremost, Larry loved his family, his Lord and his church.  In addition, he loved bluegrass music, especially the banjo, cooking, fishing, and painting.  He also enjoyed traveling the United States and cruising to destinations such as Canada, Panama, the Caribbean and Alaska.  He and his wife, Fern, often took trips and enjoyed spending time together and making memories.

Larry belonged to several organizations including the NRA, local pastor’s group and Local 520 Plumbers and Pipefitters Union.  His most recent membership was to the North Mountain Art League.  Here he met other artists and enjoyed showing his work at local craft shows and other venues such as local hospitals, coffee shops and the Bloomsburg Fair.

We, the family, would like to extend our sincere thanks to the doctors and nurses of Geisinger Bloomsburg and Geisinger Danville ICU.  While treating him for Covid and related complications, he received the most gentle and compassionate care one could ask for.  We thank you for making his last days comfortable and doing everything you could.

Services will be Monday October 25, 2021 at 10:00 am at Pastor Larry’s Church, Almedia Bible Church, 278 Van Dine St., Bloomsburg with Reverend R. J. Hettinger presiding. Burial will follow at Elan Memorial Park. A Celebration of Life will follow at the West Side Ballroom, 7588 Columbia Blvd, Berwick, PA. Family will receive friends Sunday October 24, 2021 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at the James L. Hinckley Jr. Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., 1024 Market St., Berwick.

Flowers are appreciated, however, if you would prefer, a donation in Larry’s memory can be made to one of the charities he loved: Operation Smile – www.secure.operationsmile.org WWF – www.worldwildlife.org Gideons International – www.gideons.org

Family and friends may send online condolences to jameslhinckleyjrfuneralhome.com. The James L. Hinckley Jr. Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., Berwick is handling arrangements.

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