Larry Smurl

Larry Smurl, age 73 of Fayetteville, Arkansas died Tuesday October 27, 2015.

Larry was born on January 9, 1942 and is survived by his wife of 52 years, Wanda Smurl; daughter, Shannon Finley, and husband, Scott Finley; son, Michael Smurl and wife, Ritchelle Smurl; his grandchildren, John Thomas Finley, Seth Finley, Jake Finley, Meka Smurl, Miguel Smurl, Rouwyn Smurl, and Whelwyn Smurl and a grandchild due to arrive in May; a brother, Kent Smurl; and many lifelong friends. He was preceded in death by his brother, Jack Smurl, and his parents, Lewis and Muriel Smurl.

Larry's greatest blessings in life were his children and grandchildren who adored their "Papa Red or Lolo Larry". He loved traveling around the world with his wife, Wanda, to visit the countries where his son, Michael, was living abroad and enjoy his grandchildren overseas. Larry retired in Fayetteville, Arkansas where he thrived during those years by following his grandsons' high school football and baseball teams. He rarely missed a game whether it was at home or away. He was either cheering for touchdowns from the stands or motivating the boys from his chair at the fence right behind home plate, and occasionally had a way of reminding referees and umpires of the rules. He became an iconic fixture among the Fayetteville Bulldogs fans with his contagious laugh and competitive spirit through the retirement years. Prior to retirement, Larry lived his entire life in Fordyce. Graduating from Fordyce High School in 1960, his heart and energy was forever given to his hometown, Fordyce Redbugs, where he was affectionately known as "Doc Smurl". Larry spent his life devoted to youth, high school and college athletics and to his compassion of working with student athletes. He gave hours and hours to his beloved Redbug players from youth sports through the collegiate years and was instrumental in establishing the Babe Ruth baseball program in Fordyce and the surrounding communities. Though his health limited his travel in his last year of life, Larry continued to thrive on daily FaceTime visits with all of his grandchildren, Friday night football updates and College Game Day Saturdays, not to mention following his favorite hometown players through the NFL games. Larry's love of football and baseball was evident even in his final weeks as his family surrounded him and all watched the games while he coached the players on television from his hospice bed. He was an avid fan of the game and believed that the concept of "team" brought the greatest life lessons.

In celebration of Larry's life, visitation will be Monday, November 2, 2015 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Benton Funeral Home in Fordyce, Arkansas. Graveside services will be at Stoney Point Cemetery on Tuesday, November 3, 2015 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Fordyce Redbug Alumni Foundation, PO Box 57 Fordyce, AR 71742 (redbugfoundation.org ) or Beech Grove Baptist Youth Group, 1301 W. 4th St. Fordyce, AR 71742. Arrangements are by Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce, Arkansas. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.net .