William Lawrence Smith
January 11, 1947 – December 26, 2017
William Lawrence Smith, 70, of College Station, passed away on Tuesday, December 26, 2017 in College Station. His family will receive guests during visiting hours from 6pm to 8pm on Friday, December 29, 2017 at the Callaway-Jones Funeral Center in Bryan, TX. Life Tribute Celebration honoring his life will begin at 1pm, Saturday, December 30, 2017 at Callaway-Jones Funeral Center and continue with graveside services at the College Station Memorial Cemetery.
Lawrence, as his family and friends better know him, was born on January 11, 1947 in Criesman, TX to Roy and Annelle Brymer Smith and raised in Caldwell, TX. From early childhood, Lawrence was a hard worker. He became one of the best wood-workers in the area and spent his career building homes alongside his father-in-law and ultimately retired from the Texas A&M University Building Services department.
Lawrence enjoyed the life he was blessed with especially being a husband, father, grandfather and friend to many. He enjoyed competitive shooting with his friends at area shooting ranges and could talk for hours on end about his love of hunting and firearms.
He honorably served our country as a Marine from 1968 to 1969 in Da Nang, during the Vietnam War. Unfortunately, this location had the second highest concentration of Agent Orange, which directly led to his suffering and his untimely passing.
Lawrence never ceased being a Marine, as he lived out their core values daily. A great man and an incredible father, there is so much that could be said about Lawrence, but he will be forever remembered for his honesty and integrity he gave to all he knew and met.
He cherished his bride of 48 years, Sandra Kay Armstrong Smith. Having only met her for a brief few minutes before he left for Vietnam, their love grew from letters sent back and forth over his time serving his Country. They were wed just three days after his return home and they continued this unbreakable love throughout their lives together.
Lawrence was preceded in death by his parent, Roy and Annelle.
Lawrence is survived by his wife, Sandra Armstrong Smith; his daughters, Robin and husband Christian Pope, Misty Smith; his grandchildren, who will deeply miss him, Jacob Goldwater, Wesley Goldwater, Jacob Goldwater, Jordan Smith, Rhys Beasley, Devon Daniel, Logan Luce, and Kyler Luce; and close friends.
Lawrence’s family asked that your memorial gifts are given to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund at www.donate.vvmf.org in Memory of Lance Corporal William Lawrence Smith.
Express condolences at CallawayJones.com
Lawrence will be remembered and loved by me and many, many others…especially his family. I know his family was very important to him. I have sweet memories of him that go a long way back and I treasure them. He was like a brother to me and like a son to my parents. Lawrence’s parents and my parents were close friends, before Lawrence and I came along. I will be remembering each one of you and saying prayers for comfort and guidance. My family and I extend our deepest sympathy on your loss of a husband, daddy, grandfather, friend and furry friend lover.
Sandy so sorry for your lose but you know he is in a better place now no more pain…love you lots..
let me know if I can help in any way you are in my prayers. Aunt Carol
Rest In Peace Lawrence
Your classmates will miss you.