Lawrence "Duke" Reginald Smith, Jr, age 25, passed away on December 11, 2023, in New Bern, NC. He was born on January 18, 1998 in Tulsa, OK, to Raechel Cole and Lawrence Smith. He attended Freeport Schools. At an early age he played soccer, football, and wrestled for a short time. He excelled in the opportunities given to him. He touched the hearts of many and protected the ones he loved.

Survivors include his mother Raechel Cole, sister Tajma Smith, brother Kyriese Lacey, brother Malik Thomas, the child's mother Shania Grady, niece Kalaunnie, niece Kei'Aylah, niece Kei'Lei, special brothers: Markiez Lacy and Martaveon Lacy; grandparents Eddie and Sharon Batten of Freeport, and special friends/brothers; Trarrell Thompson, Ronald Craig. He was also loved by my aunts,uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father Lawrence Smith, his father's parents, and a few special lifelong friends "ABM" from Freeport, IL.

A visitation/viewing will be held on Saturday December 23, 2023, from 2PM - 4PM, at the Schwarz Park Blvd Chapel, 608 S. Park Blvd in Freeport, IL, for family and close friends only.

A memorial has been established in his memory