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Larry Franks Smithwick, age 71, of Washington NC, passed away on February 22, 2024, surrounded by loved ones. He was born on December 17, 1952, in Washington NC, to the late Dennis and Thelma Smithwick.

Larry’s life was built upon and revolved around bodies of water. His businesses, vacations, hobbies, and thoughts were all centered around rivers and oceans. Whether boating, skiing, fishing, or just sitting, if he was on the shore or sound, sea or sandbar, he was happy. This led to him to pursuing business at Park Boat Company in Washington with his brother Terry and becoming a trusted fixture at Manteo Marine.

Larry had a diverse background in business. Besides his nautical ventures he also had a mind for real-estate and grew into a savvy investor known for generosity and mentorship, helping others start their own businesses. He was amiable and outgoing; trust and respect were integral to all his dealings, both professional and personal, and that garnered him a reputation as a trusted confidant and business associate.

In his youth Larry was a proud member of Boy Scout Troop 99, and eventually went on to Eagle Scout and Order of the Arrow. He graduated from Washington High School in 1971, excelling both academically and athletically, earning All-Conference honors in both football and track. He always had dreams of being a Tar-Heel and pursued and completed a degree in Biology at UNC-Chapel Hill, where he was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. Commitment to community and fellowship were always important to Larry, and that extended to his church family at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Washington, NC.

Larry’s adventurous spirit and dedication took him on cross-country escapades that resonated with his love for exploration. He was curious, capable, and confident, able to push himself and those surrounding him to greatness; he and his daughter Shelby even completed a triathlon, swimming half a mile, then hopping on a bike for 14 miles, before rounding it out with a 5k run to the finish line. He loved a challenge.

He is survived by his wife of more than three decades Sue Aman Smithwick, his children Shelby and Coleman Smithwick, and his grandson Fisher Smithwick, a sister Sandra Buckman and her husband Kent and their children Kent Buckman Jr., Zane, Paul, and Nina, two brothers: Terry Smithwick and his wife Connie and their sons Austin, Matt, Hunter, and Rudy Smithwick, his son Seth and his wife Cece and their daughters Cameron and Haley, and his dog Rascal who was his constant companion for 7 years.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2pm on Wednesday, February 28, at the Christian Service Camp in Washington NC, followed by a gathering of friends and family at Fox Hollow Farm at 4pm.

Larry Smithwick leaves behind a legacy of friendship, generosity, and resilience that will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew him. He will be remembered as a devoted husband and father (never missing a child’s sporting event), a successful businessman, and a cherished friend.

Joseph B. Paul Jr. Funeral Service is honored to assist the Smithwick Family.