Richard graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1960, and graduated from Jones College with a degree in business. He was a former Airborne Ranger with the 82nd Airborne Infantry at Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, North Carolina. After leaving his military and Corp of Engineers careers, he retired from the United States Postal Service with over 35 years of government service.
Richard was an avid hunter and loved riding his golf cart around to visit his neighbors. He had a personality unlike any other – one that will be missed by all of those who knew him.
He was the son of the late William H. and Myrtle M. Smith.
Richard was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Alice Louise, the love of his life and three brothers; William, George, and Keith Smith. He is survived by his daughter Kimberly Smith (Scott) of Bluefield, West Virginia; his son Brian Smith (Cindy) of Jacksonville, Florida; four grandchildren, Aaron Bowman (Krysten) of Bluefield, West Virginia, Danielle Smith of Jacksonville, Florida, Jacob Bowman of Bluefield, West Virginia, and Chris Pierce (Hannah) of Jacksonville, Florida; four great-grandchildren, Lilly and Henry Bowman of Bluefield, West Virginia, Benson and Parker Pierce of Jacksonville, Florida.
