Lawrence Smootz

Larry Smootz, 80, passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2020, at Brian Center Lincolnton. He was born on December 20, 1939, in Great Falls, Montana to the late Laney Smootz and Mina Hoyem Coon.

Larry was preceded in death by his son Robert Smootz.

Larry was retired from Freightliner after 35 years and he was one of the 12 people who started the plant in Mt. Holly. He was a veteran of the United States Army. Larry loved to share God and was a devoted Christian. He enjoyed bass fishing, fishing tournaments and camping.  Larry was an avid motorcyclist and loved riding his Goldwing on cross country trips. He loved his boys and was an associate Pastor at Venture Church of Dallas, NC.  His favorite place to eat was the Original Pancake House, Charlotte.

Left to cherish his memories are his wife Sandra Capps Smootz; son Joey Popwell and wife Lisa of Maricopa, AZ, Richard Popwell of Broomfield, CO.; brother Ron Smootz and wife Alisse of Clackamas, OR., grandchildren, Bradley Popwell of Maricopa, AZ., Zackery Popwell of Denver, CO., Natlie Popwell of Dallas,  Rylee Popwell of Oklahoma, Jacob Popwell and Samantha Lovenburg of Highlands Ranch, CO., Fleicia Chrzanowski and husband Andrew of Mainville, Ohio, Tyler Welch of Stanley,  Emma Smootz of Port Orchard, WA., Matthew Smootz of AR; great-grandchildren Kay'lee Chrzanowski, Kobly Chrzanowski, Savannah Chrzanowski.

Larry’s memorial service will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Venture Church 800 E. Main St. Dallas, NC 28034.