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Celebrating the life of
Lance Smith
May 17, 1960 - March 03, 2020
Lance Smith (59) died at home on March 3, 2020 peacefully under the care of Hospice Savannah.
He was born in Savannah, GA and lived in Los Angeles, CA and Maui, HI for most of his adult life. He enjoyed his life in Maui for 17 years. Daily, Lance would run the beach, surf kayak, write and take pictures of the beautiful Maui sunsets. He and his wife moved to Savannah in 2018 to be close to family after he received a diagnosis of early onset Alzheimer’s Disease.
Lance graduated from Savannah Country Day School in 1978 and studied film production at the University of Colorado and the University of Georgia. He received a Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting from The American Film Institute in Los Angeles.
Lance loved Tybee and his first job was working at the famous float stand where he would walk the beach collecting & renting floats. During his college summer vacations he worked the night shift at the Greyhound Bus station, and he also worked at the 40-Watt Club in Athens. He started off his career in Los Angeles and wrote his first screenplay, Munchies, in 1987 for Roger Corman. Other screen writing credits include: Wizards of the Lost Kingdom II, Barbarian Queen II, The Crew, Love Shack, which he also directed and filmed in Savannah. Lance wrote several novels: That Dog Don’t Hunt, Groovy Times, and The Ghost Way.
Lance was preceded in death by his father, Lance; his grandparents John and Virginia Brennan; his uncle and best friend Timothy Brennan. Surviving are his wife, Vilaiporn (Kung) R. Smith, his mother, Mary Ann Brennan Smith; his sister, DeAnne (Alan) and their children Brennan and Mary Virginia. He is also survived by his in-laws Somjit & Prajak Ramanakajja and his extended family, Virginia & Paul Snedeker; Michael Brennan; Joe & Jan Brennan; Stephen Brennan; Beth Sheehan (Godmother) and his life-long friend Timothy Sheehan.
At Lance’s request, no service will be held. Remembrances can be made to The Maui Food Bank, where he volunteered, (www.mauifoodbank.org) or Hospice Savannah, PO Box 13190, Savannah, GA 31416.
Dearest Mary Ann, Please know how deeply we share your grief. What an exemplary and loving mother you have been to Lance. Please take comfort in knowing this. Now it is time to take care of yourself. Much love, Maxine and Bill
- Maxine and BIll Pinson, Savannah, GA
Dearest MaryAnn I pray and ask God to give you and the family strength at this most difficult time. One’s passing leaves a heartache that no one but God can heal. Love leaves a memory that no one can steal. Hold on to all the good memories. Trust in the Lord. Gerald
- Gerald Fleming, Savannah, GA
So very sorry. He is free to fly with the angels.
- Paula Lutz Drawdy, Ellabell, Ga
A candle has been lit!
Lance was one of the smartest and funniest people I ever knew, with a piercing sense of humour that kept us going. Much love to Mary Ann and all the Brennan family.
- John Scardino, London, England
My warmest thoughts
- Stephen Angell, Savannah,, Ga.
I am so sorry for your loss. Have very fond memories of Lance from high school - smart, funny and truly one of a kind. Sending sincere condolences to his family. - Julie
- Julie (Williams) Murphy , Darien , CT
Would that there were words that could ease your sorrow at losing Lance. But we can hope that he is now at peace and running on celestial beaches. Just wanted you to know that I was thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. Do take care now.
- Marty Barnes, Savannah, Georgia
Lance was kind and intelligent and compassionate. My heart goes out to you in this hard journey and loss.
- Sally nettles, Savannah, GA
How very sorry I was to hear of sweet Lance's passing. He was a special person in our lives, and we always looked forward to his visits home! He was so talented on so many levels , and his sarcastic humor kept me laughing. I will be thinking of you all and sending prayers for comfort and strength.♥️
- Erin Brennan, Savannah, Ga
Our thoughts and prayers go out to MaryAnn and family.
- Ted F Akins, Black Creek, GA
Mary Ann please accept my hearth felt condolences to you , Deanne & The Brennan Family during this most difficult time. God Bless!!
- Paul J Weber, Savannah, GA
Mary Ann, my thoughts and prayers are with you and all of the family. Lance is in a better place with God. May the good Lord be with you all. Joanie Heyward.
- Joan M. Heyward, Bluffton, South Carolina
Mary Ann please know that I am thinking of you with my sympathy and love during this difficult time. All my best.
- Fran Harold, Tybee Island, Georgia
We are so sad to hear about Little Lance my Dad went to Law school with his Dad an our family’s were very close , we pray for the comfort an peace for all of his family an what them to know that Lance will always be in our memories
- John Cook family of Judge Robert R Cook, Savannah , Georgia
The greatest loss a person can suffer is the death of a child. Mary Ann, may Lance's memory always be a blessing for you and your family. Ronnie Ginsberg
- Ron Ginsberg, Savannah, Georgia
Mary Ann,Deepest sympathy to you and the Brennan family on the loss of Lance.You all are in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
- CAROLYN EMERICK, SAVANNAH, GA
Having known lance in his younger years it is hard to believe his early passing . I know it has to be extremely difficult for MaryAnn to bury a son . Our thoughts and prayers are with MaryAnn and Dee and all of the family . Joanne and Barney
- Barney and Joanne portman, Savannah, Ga.
A candle has been lit!
My sincere condolences to you the family and especially Marianne. I have so many fond memories of Young Lance at Tybee..
- Cora Bett Thomas , savannah, GA
Dear Mary Ann , I cannot express the sorrow I have for you and your family at this time. I know you and how deeply this passing has taken its toll. Know Mary Ann that God and time will lift you up again. May He hold Lance in the palm of his hand.
- Ed Werntz, Edisto Island , SC
Lance was both the funniest and most perceptive person I ever knew. His passing leaves the world with a lot less wit and even less warmth.
- David Bono, Boston, MA
My heart aches to hear this shocking news....such happy memories of Lance from high school - he always made me laugh. There are no words...
- Amy Ferdinandsen Dressler, Seekonk, MA
I've known Lance since AFI. We worked together at Roger Corman and at Cineville. He had the best sense of humor. We lost touch after he moved to Maui. So sad to have read this news.
- Carl-Jan Colpaert
I also knew Lance from AFI and were friends after. I asked him to teach me southern slang and had a fun time. Lost touch after he moved to Maui but talked on the phone couple of years ago. I am shocked to hear him passing so early, I am very sorry and now regretful not having spend more time in the last many years.
- Geza, Los Angeles, CA
Sorry to hear this, I worked with Lance at the 40 Watt in Athens years ago. He will be missed...
- Patton Biddle, Jefferson, GA
Shocked and saddened to just learn of this news on 4/28/22. My condolences to the family. Lance and I were best of friends for my AFI years and after in Los Angeles. We watched hundreds of movies together, even more sporting events, went to shows and even co-wrote a screenplay. He was a great friend and I have missed him often.
- Marcus Crowder, Sacramento, CA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- No Funeral Service