Lawrence Smithmier, 74, of Clinton died at 7:45 p.m. Sunday, May 22, 2016 at Jackson Purchase Medical Center.
Born on November 13, 1941 to the late Thomas Yancy & Ruby Lavern Rogers Smithmier, Lawrence graduated from Carlisle County High School in 1959. He attended Mayfield High School from 1956-58. He received is Bachelor of Science degree in 1969 from the University of Tennessee/Martin and received his Masters in Biology and Chemistry in 1972 from the University of Mississippi. Lawrence began his college coaching career at Copiah Lincoln Junior College in Wesson, MS as an assistant men’s basketball coach and led them to achieve two Mississippi Junior College State Championships. He became the head Basketball coach and athletic Director at Paducah Community College in 1973-1983. He led the Indians to seven KY Junior College State Championships. He was named KJCAA Coach of the Year during this time as well. He was named head basketball coach at Pearl River Junior College in Poplarville, MS in 1983. Lawrence became Associate head Men’s Basketball Coach at the University of Mississippi helping lead the OLE MISS Rebels to the finals in the SEC Championship. While at Mississippi, Lawrence coached in the NIT Tournament two years. During this tenure he also coached National and Swedish teams and toured Europe for two weeks . While coaching at Mississippi complete all course work for a Doctorate of Education. Lawrence became head Mens’ Basketball Coach, Athletic Director and Golf Coach at the University of Arkansas at Monticello.
In 1996, Lawrence retired from college basketball coaching after having open heart surgery. He and Pauline returned to KY to their home and farm. He agreed to coach boys basketball at Lone Oak High School, becoming head coach and teaching science. He led the Lone Oak Flash to the Regional Tournament four of the five years in his tenure at Lone Oak. He retired from coaching in 2002 and finally from teaching in 2009. He enjoyed his farm ,hunting and spending time with family and friends.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Pauline Curlin Smithmier, one son, Lawrence Edward (Heather) Smithmier of Norfolk, VA; one daughter, Joelle Smithmier (Cliff) Dew of Mayfield, KY; two grandsons, Schroeder Smithmier and Cassyn Dew; three brothers and one sister.
Services will all be private for family. Open house will be held Thursday, May 26, 2016 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at the home of Cliff & Joelle Dew, 616 Chapel Court in Mayfield, KY.
Expression of sympathy may be made to the Hickman County Fire & Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 29, Clinton, Ky. 42031
Arrangements made by the Lone Oak Chapel Milner & Orr Funeral Home.
