Born in Harlem, New York City on January 10, 1945, Lawrence is the eldest son of three born to William and Louise Smith. His family migrated from Harlem to St. Albans, Queens where they settled. He attended Jamaica High School in Queens and enlisted in the US Marine Corps to serve his country on March 20, 1963. While serving as a Marine he traveled around the world twice. Lawrence was stationed in North Carolina with E Company, 2-2 Second Marine Division and was transferred to the Third Marine Division and sent to Vietnam with H Company 2-7.

Lawrence retired as a 100-Disabled Veteran from the Marine Corps. Around 1972 he was a Founder and served as the Director of Unity House. He also served as Co-Director of House, Food, and Thought. He then focused his energies by serving as Tenant Association President in Gowanus Houses and tried his hand at being the Assistant Scout Master to the Stoners. Lawrence is a Founder of BVSJ. Since its inception in April 1979, he has held several positions; Treasurer, Vice President, Chairman and now Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Larry Smith has been awarded nine Combat Veteran medals in his military career:

• National Defense Service Medal
• Vietnam Service Medal
• Vietnam Campaign Medal
• Combat Action Award
• Purple Heart with Oak Cluster
• Vietnam Veterans Gallantry Medal
• Presidential Citation Award
• Good Conduct Medal
• NYS Commendable Medal