Lawrence Smart, 88

SELBYVILLE - Lawrence Smart of Selbyville, formerly of Long Island, N.Y., died Thursday, Feb. 22, 2007, in his home. He was 88.

Mr. Smart was born in Sardis, Ga., son of the late Henry "Doc" and Anna Belle Mobley Smart.

He was a stocker for the warehouses of Daving Paper Co. before retiring in 1985 after 25 years of service.

He loved fishing and gardening. He was King of the Crabcake and immensely devoted to his family. He was a good provider and an excellent father. He was a great man.

He was active in the Baptist Church first serving at Fellowship Baptist Church in New York where he taught Sunday school and served as a Deacon. After moving to Delaware, he became deacon at St. John's second Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Lorraine Smart in 2005; three brothers, Henry, Thomas and James; and a sister, Anne.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Fannie O. Smart; four sons and two daughters-in-law, Jerry L. and Carmelita Thomas of Brooklyn, N.Y., Christopher L. and Charlene Thomas of Winter Haven, Fla., William G. Thomas of North Babylon, N.Y. and Michael K. Thomas of Bay Shore, N.Y.; five daughters and a son-in-law, Christine S. Calhoun of Colonial Heights, Va., Claudette L. Brantley of Lindenhurst, N.J., Alice E. Norris of Richmond, Va. and Patricia A. and Bradley Kearse of Dagsboro; 20 grandchildren; and 39 great-grandchildren.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday in St. John's Second Baptist Church, Millsboro.

Services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday in the church, where friends may call one hour earlier. The Rev. Anni Jane Custis will officiate.

Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Arrangements by Watson Funeral Home.