Athens - Retired U.S. Army Major Larry E. Smith, age 65, of Athens, died on September 21, 2011.A native of Leavenworth, Kan., he graduated Corps Commander at Kemper Military School, Boonville, Miss., and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Washburn University, Topeka, Kan. He was also a graduate of the Army Command & General Staff College, Ft. Leavenworth, Kan. He served as an officer in the U.S. Army for 20 years, including two tours in Vietnam in 1969 and 1971. He was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star-Republic of Viet Nam. He served the United States Army Europe from 1977-80; served the Army Organizational Effectiveness School & Center, Ft. Ord, Calif., from 1980-84; and served the Command & General Staff College, Ft. Leavenworth, Kan., from 1984-87.Upon his retirement from the military, he served as Vice President of High Performing Systems, and owned and operated Home Inspectors of North Georgia with his son until his sudden death. He loved God, his country, his family, and the men he led in combat.He is survived by his wife, Linda Smith; son, Brandon Smith; daughter, Brigitte Smith Martin; grandson, Briggs Myles Martin; brother, Jack Smith; and sisters, Linda Sandlin, Judy Schies, and Jill Carroll.A memorial service was held at Ft. Leavenworth National Cemetery on Wednesday, September 28, with the Base Chaplain officiating.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project: www.woundedwarriorproject.org.Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation & Memorial Centers-Alpharetta.2260 Old Milton Pkwy.Alpharetta, GA 30009www.SouthCareCremation.com