1944-2024

Beloved husband, father, and grandfather Virgil L. Smith, best known as Larry, 79, passed away on Friday June 14 in Burnsville, MN. His battle with lung cancer and passing was much quicker than anyone expected. He slipped away peacefully surrounded by his family. Son of Lena Rae and Virgil Smith of Baton Rouge, LA. He was born October 6, 1944 in McComb, MS. He graduated from Istrouma High School in 1962. And studied at LSU. He worked his entire career in computer software sales, his territories ranging from New York to Australia to Minnesota where he married his wife of 48 years, Gayle. Larry and Gayle lived the majority of their married life in the Twin Cities southern metro and after retirement enjoyed winters in Sun City West, AZ. In 2007 they settled in Rosemount, MN where they made great friends of their "flamingo people" neighbors. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, aunts and uncles. He is survived by his wife Gayle; daughter Cindy Brinkman and husband Rory of Wayzata, MN, son Scott Smith and wife Cindy of Alvin, TX. Three grandchildren: Beauregard Brinkman, Bella Brinkman and Bennett Brinkman; sister Gretchen Flatau and husband Marvin of Liberty, MS. While we lost our beloved husband and father, others have lost a friend. He has offered support and encouragement to many through his years of involvement in AA, and recently through his service at the Rosemount Food Shelf. Larry loved to hit the links and have coffee with his group of golf buddies in both Arizona and Minnesota. He was a great woodworker and accomplished wood turner, creating many beautiful treasures he shared with his friends and family over the years. He was affectionately know as a "Fix-it-Dad" only to be out done by his own father who taught him many invaluable skills from woodworking to electrical to auto mechanics. Despite being a bit accident prone, Larry was a great craftsman and was always willing to share his knowledge and help his friends. We will miss his tender nature and charming smile. A Celebration of Life is planned for 4:00 pm Sunday August 11, 2024, at The Crosscroft at Evermore Clubhouse, 3640 Crosslough Trail, Rosemount, MN 55068.

Published on June 23, 2024