Larry “L.S.” James Smith, age 69, of Ocala, FL passed away unexpectedly on March 30, 2023. Larry was born on April 24, 1953 in Memphis, Tennessee to the late James Albert and Lizzie Mae (Jones) Smith.
Larry was affectionately known to all who loved him as “L.S.” He was the founder and creative genius of L.S. Movement Band/New Movement Music Group and a music producer. His band was signed to major record labels. Including, MCA and RCA records. Early in their career, L.S. Movement Band landed a gig and became the back up band for the singer Denise La Salle singing her big hit ”Trapped by This Thing Called Love”. The band toured with her for almost a year. They also opened up shows for many top acts such as the Barkays, Confunkshun, Breakwater, Johnny Taylor, Betty Wright, and The Main Ingredient featuring Cuba Gooding Sr. The band also connected with Charlie, Robert, and Ronnie Wilson of the Gap Band when L.S. played drums for them. And the list goes on. During his life, he held other careers as a draftsman for Omaha Metropolitan Utilities, and a meter reader for Marion Oaks Utilities. L.S. loved his family and was given the opportunity to travel throughout the United States in the pursuit of music. He was a member of Draw All Men Ministries.
He was preceded in death by his son, Deshawn Smith and his parents, James and Lizzie Smith.
Survivors include his beloved wife of 44 years, Carrol R. Dillon-Smith; their children, Larry “Jr.” Miller, Michelle Brown, Michael (Chamallie) Forrest, Nolan (Carliss) Miller, Rolan Miller, Megan (Reginald) Forrest Wright, Alfonsa (Francesca) Smith and Fabion Smith, Heather & Sherrod Davis (honorary); brother, Steven Smith; god-children, Travis “TJ” Garrett, Sol Rosario; grandchildren, Breah Miller, Stacey “LJ” Brown, Tyshae Mcgary, Anthony Miller, Ajah Miller, Kassidy Brown, Candyce Miller, Aolani Brown, Nolan Johnston, Gaberiel “Gabe” Miller, Nolan Miller, Jaylen Forrest, Nehemiah Wright, Kenya Forrest, Savannah Miller, India Forrest, Jaxen Forrest, Ella Grace Wright and Madisyn & Champ Davis (honorary); great grandchildren, Tyrail Moore Jr., A’marah Mcgary, Jesse Haynes III; along with a host of extended family and lifelong friends.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, April 22, 2023 from 11 am-2 pm at Draw All Men Ministries, 1919 SW 27th Ave., Ocala, FL 34471 with interment to follow at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens, 5740 S. Pine Ave., Ocala, FL 34480.