Chaplain (Lieutenant Colonel) Larry Stephen Smedley, Sr., 83, of New Braunfels, Texas, passed away on September 8, 2026.

Larry was born July 16, 1943, in Placerville, California, to Harold A.J. Smedley and Mona Gwendolyn Barnes. He entered the U.S. Army on August 7, 1962, beginning his jump training at Fort Benning, GA before being stationed at Fort Bragg, NC. After completing his enlisted service, Larry earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theology and History from Pacific Union College, a Master of Divinity from Andrews University in 1977, and later a Doctor of Ministry from Covington Theological Seminary. He went on to pastor churches across six California congregations, and spent 12 years in the U.S. Army Reserves, where he cross-trained as a medic and served as a hospital chaplain at Letterman, CA.

In 1981, Larry returned to active duty as an Army Chaplain — one of the few Seventh-day Adventist chaplains in the Army, and its only jump-qualified SDA chaplain. Over the next two decades, he served in chaplaincy and leadership roles at Fort Bragg, NC; Fort Ord, CA; Fort Huachuca, AZ; Fort Shafter, HI; Fort Knox, KY; and Fort McPherson, GA — leading organizations of up to 400 soldiers, teaching at the Army's School for Military Intelligence, and being named Teacher of the Year. He retired from the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2001 after more than 20 years of commissioned service. Following his military retirement, he continued serving his community as a Social Service Worker for Murray County DFCS in Chatsworth, GA, and as a Juvenile Probation Officer for Whitfield County in Dalton, GA.

Wherever the Army and life sent him, Larry and Georgia went together — raising their children, serving their country, and building a life of faith side by side. Larry brought that same sense of purpose to everything he did: as a chaplain, he was there for soldiers and their families in their hardest moments; as a pastor, he shepherded congregations with warmth and conviction; and at home, he was a steady, loving presence for his family.

To know Larry was to know a man who lived his faith rather than just talked about it. He had a quick wit, an easy laugh, a sharp mind that never stopped learning, and a heart that made room for everyone — soldiers far from home, church members around the world, and his own family, especially his grandchildren. Those who knew him best remember his humor as much as his wisdom, and a kindness that showed up in small, everyday ways as much as in the big moments. Above all, Larry was known for his servant's heart, a rare blend of strength and gentleness that left its mark on everyone, everywhere he went.

Survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Georgia Marie Smedley; children George (Lori) Pagel, Ronald (Linda) Pagel, Donald (Diane) Pagel, Larry (Jessie) Smedley, Stacy (Terri) Owens, Georgette (Troy) Ewing, and Karla Smedley; grandchildren Rebecca Pagel, Jennifer (Arturo) Garcia, David Pagel, Alana Gilbert, Lindsey (Tyler) Shrader, Rachel Smedley, Andrew

Gonzales, and Benjamin (Abigail) Gonzales; great-grandchildren Camilo Garcia and Madelynn Joy Shrader; siblings Harold (Randy) Smedley, Gloria "Jeanie" Wilhelms, Jennifer Austin, Laurie Anne (Michael) Blanchard, Jack Barnes, Singh Hoang and Julie Tayes; sister-in-law Ruth (Fredie) Shykowski; numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his father, Harold A.J. Smedley and stepmother Helen Smedley, and his mother, Mona Gwendolyn Barnes and stepfather Jack H. Barnes; brothers Bob Lesser and George (Pat) Smedley; sister-in-law Ester (Jimmy) Heilegman; and brother-in-law Bill Wilhelms.

The family also extends their gratitude to Letty Owens for the years of kindness, care and support she provided to Larry.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Love Where You Live, a local organization whose mission and ministry of helping neighbors in need, reflecting Larry's lifelong commitment to faith, service and caring for others. Donations may be made at www.lwylschertz.com/donate.

Service will be held at 11:30 AM CT on October 13, 2026, at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, Texas, with full military honors at Pavillion Three, arranged through Schertz Funeral Home.