Lawrence Cecil Smith

Lawrence Cecil Smith, 74, passed away on Wednesday, May 22, 2019 in Jacksonville, Florida. Lawrence, who was affectionately known as Smitty, was born on March 29, 1945 in Brooklyn, New York to his parents William Ellery Smith and Cecilia Bush Smith. He was the youngest of four sons William, Charles, Alfred and Lawrence Smith.

He served in United States Army as a Field Medic during the Vietnam War. Soon after he was honorably discharged, he met and married Alice Blackburn Smith with whom he had two sons. He attended and graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice with a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice. He then went into the police academy, and upon graduation became a police officer at the 113th Police Precinct in Queens, New York. He was the Youth Officer for his precinct and later received the distinction of Gold Shield Detective. He expanded the position of youth officer to include coaching basketball for Police Athletic League, the Youth Council and a summer camp. He then retired from the New York City Police Department.

Lawrence relocated to Palm Coast, Florida in August, 1998 where he met and married Dr. Pamela Jackson Smith.  He became an active member of Mount Calvary Baptist Church where he served as Director of Operations. He also served as Director of the Security Ministry, a member of the Youth Advisory Council and Vacation Bible School Teacher. He was a Basketball Coach for the Flagler PAL program and a member of the PAL Executive Board. He was very active with the local NAACP chapter serving on the Executive Committee as the Legal Redress Chair. He also became a substitute teacher with Flagler County School District.

Lawrence immensely enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He had a passion for basketball. He is known for having several student athletes in his basketball program who went on the become members of the NBA. He provided affordable transportation to members of his community through his business, Blacksmith Autos.  He had a penchant for watching and discussing the daily news. He will be remembered for his humor and wit; but mostly for the unconditional love he had for everyone. When he said that you are his brother, sister and number 1 son he truly meant it. Most people make friends Larry made family.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 18 years, Dr. Pamela Jackson-Smith of Palm Coast, Florida; his two sons, Keith Lawrence Smith and his wife Tonell Smith of St. Johns, Florida; his son Howard Martin Smith of Palm Coast, Florida; three grandchildren (who affectionately call him PopPop) Brianna P. Smith, Jaiden C. Smith and Noah A. Smith; many nieces and nephews, and a host of mentees and friends.

Sarah L. Carter's Funeral Home Southside is serving the family. 

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