On February 26, 2020, Larry David (Smitty) Smith (71), passed away.  Larry was a decorated Vietnam combat veteran who served with the 1st Air Calvary in 1969.  Services were held at Blakely Funeral Home in Gaffney, S.C. with an honorary military funeral following. 

Larry was bedridden with severe dementia for over four years before passing and was taken care of by his loving and dedicated wife, Kay, 24/7 right up to the end.  Kay chose to pay for in-home health care to stay by his side, which cost over $1300/month out-of-pocket, rather than commit Larry to a commercial facility.

That dedication left Kay - who also cares for her granddaughter - with a mountain of debt, unpaid funeral expenses, no savings and no idea how to pay her future rent.  Several of us who served in Vietnam with Larry (Smitty) have committed to help Kay as best we can, but are asking for any donations possible to help Kay through this very difficult time.  Funds are needed as soon as possible, as her income will drastically decrease now and her full-time job has been caring for Larry all these years.



Smitty was my very best friend from June, 1969 right up to his passing.  We made a pact to always be there for each other, so I am asking for your help.  100% of all donations go directly to Smitty's widow, Kay Smith in Gaffney, S.C.  Every little bit helps, so please whatever you can give.

Thank you for helping me to keep my word to my best friend,

Dan Murphy,  RVN 1969-70, 1st Air Cav A-1/5