Dearest mermaid sista I didn't have the privilege to physically meet the man that lit the passion of love and life in you..I so enjoyed your journey together on FB.  I will say I remember when you came to Daytona to see the KC and the sunshine band tribute at the band shell!! I got such a laugh hearing about your good time man dancing in the rain!!  Love ya girl 🤓

 We have so many memories of Richie but one of our favorites is how good he was at walking on his hands.  He'd start in the parking lot and walk all the way to whatever field he was playing softball on at the time.  (Softball was a big part of Richie & Bill's lives.) 

 Also we were friends during Julie and Craig's births and remember what a proud dad he was. 

 Richie loved music so of course music was always a big part of our get togethers - it didn't matter if we were just eating dinner, having a bbq, playing cards, driving to Panama City to eat at Red Lobster, or just goofing off. 

 Before Bill and I got married and for several years after, they were our very closest friends.  He will be FOREVER missed.  Love you Richie.

I had the pleasure to meet Richie when I was in the Air Force, and we served in the same squadron... he was the superintendent, and I was the first sergeant.  He was such a positive, upbeat person, quick to crack a joke.  But he was an absolute professional, and just an incredible person. 

Kimberly, 
I am so sorry for the loss of your soulmate.  It brings me joy that he found the love of his life and he celebrated that love daily.
 I met Richie when I was around 16 years old. He was my first ”boyfriend” back in the day. I moved to New Orleans, but a friendship remained. As I read the memories of him, I see he didn't change. He lived and loved big and that is the lesson I will take in his honor.  I loved seeing how happy he was with you...always showing his love his way -big and happy. The few times we spoke he was so darn proud of his kids and loved those grand babies big. I hope this love carries you through these unimaginable hard days. 

I remember when I first met Richard at Allstate he came by to see his lovely wife and my friend that warm smile he met you with and that cool personality me and him hit it off the bat he will be miss but the best thing is that kasey and Richard will be together one day God bless you Kasey❤️

Richie was my best man at my wedding. I remember him leaning over and whispering in my ear when Robin was coming down the aisle; “Don’t you start balling you big baby.” I miss him so much. Everything from his colorful text messages to his observations after a poor golf shot. I can never listen to Chicago’s “If You Leave Me Now” the same way after him introducing me to Tourette’s Karaoke guy on YouTube. RIP my friend. Deepest condolences to KC and his beautiful children and grand children.

K.C., you have been on my mind every day.  As you know, I did not know Richie but, I know he made you happy & I love him for that.  I know you have great memories of your time together,  especially in your happy place.  Treasure those memories & know that we love you!  Becky ❤️

Never met you, however you are married to a friend.   I will say this, Kymberly always had the best and brightest smile in the room, and somehow you made it both bigger and brighter.   To see the joy you both lived was inspiring....and yes jealous. Lol.  You both truly enjoyed each second of life and each other.  So I will change “have never met you”  to “ we haven’t met quite yet” as the paths of like people always cross over time.   Rest easy until then.

Kym,

Though I really did not know Richie that well, what I did recognize is that  he certainly loved you(and you him). It was so evident in your FB post. Whether it was for your birthday, anniversary, Valentine’s Day or just because, he took the opportunity to show you how special you were to him. His gifts were thoughtful. 💝 They showed that he knew what you liked, wanted or needed. He even extended his thoughtfulness to your mom. I know he hid a bottle of wine at her house for her to find this past Valentine’s Day. 

Your pictures taken with him,  exuded the greatest smiles and acknowledged your wonderful life together. Your “happy place,” the Keys, are fun memories you shared and you will cherish them always. You will eventually be able to return  to the Keys and bask in all the great times you had together.  You will rejoice in your life together realizing it was better to have loved and married  him then to have missed the dance. ❤️

Thinking of you with love,

Pam

My favorite memory of Richie is when he came for dinner on a Thursday night and didn’t leave until Sunday!!you know the story KC and it was the beginning of a beautiful love story. Every now and then I practice my Richie speak not in the earshot of any of my grandkids but just sometimes when I’m alone and want to just cuss somebody out!  I also love the way he sang Elvis in the mornings while he cooked our breakfast outside when we visited you. He was one in 1 million! And he was all yours for five crazy fun years! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

So sad to hear of Ricks passing. We met him and his family in the late 90s when he was posted to RAF Lakenheath in England and joined Feltwell Golf Club. As New members we soon paired up and played many exciting competitions with mixed results depending on how big his hangover was. We spent many hours together on drinking sessions and even attended his daughters wedding at Beck Row. My lasting memory of Rick was his infectious smile and his love of life. Our condolences go to all those he has left behind. Ron Margaret and Gina.

Richie “Samich” was one of the best guys, best humans, and best spirits I’ve ever known in my entire life! I first met Richie in 1997 while stationed together in Readiness at the AOS at Ramstein AB, Germany, and then just a few months later when he PCS’d to RAF Lakenheath to be my boss in PRU.  Richie was that guy who could walk into a room or any situation and brighten it up with his humor and charm, but most importantly, his sincerity and smile.  Richie was a straight shooter who didn’t sugar coat his thoughts, views or opinions, I believe that’s why we got along so well.   He was the best mentor at work that I ever had, best co-worker, and ultimately, one of the best friends I’ve ever had.   We had a lot of great times while living in England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿, pub crawling, base softball games, and lots of grilling and playing cards.  He was the life of the party everywhere he went.  He also had a nice right hook! Just ask the gypsy who came face to face with it outside of the Maid’s Head pub in Mildenhall.   He was the guy who always had your back in every instance, and most importantly, the guy you wanted in your life because he made everything around him better.  After 18 years of not physically seeing each other, Richie stood up with me last December in Tampa, Fl as I married the love of my life,   It was important for him to be there with us and my wife Mickie and I were so grateful that him and his beautiful wife KC were there to join us.
Today, I will mourn the loss of one of the greatest men l have ever known.  Richie was  one of my best friends in this entire world.  He was a great husband, a great father & grandfather, and one, whose friendship was never questioned.
I raise my glass in your honor my brother, today and every day hereafter.  I miss you and love you Richie.  Proud to have served with you, proud to have called you a friend, and more importantly,  proud to call you a brother!
R.I.P. Samich ♥️

Richie "Samich" was a really great guy and knew how to have a good time with family and friends.  I met Richie from playing Softball in the Air Force at the Heath and all around Europe.  He was one of the best cooks, friends, golf partners, and Softball players I ever met.  You will be missed my friend, and thanks for all the great times we had at Lakenheath and on the road traveling playing cards and all other things we did as a "Softball Family."


Richie and I were stationed together at Ramstein Air Base in Germany.  He was my superintendent.  He sponsored me into the unit and our families spent a lot of time together enjoying Deutsch culture (drinking beer).  I laughed out loud when I read Cheryl Trapnell’s memory below.  I too remember a LOT of swearing, a LOT of farting, but also a LOT of laughter and camaraderie.  When you’re stationed overseas, your unit is your FAMILY.  Richie was like family and will truly be missed!  Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss!

I am Richie’s cousin. I have not seen him since he was a very little boy, maybe 2 or 3 years old. I remember him well, though. He was adorable. He would sing “He’s in the Jailhouse Now” and we asked him to sing it over and over again.  It was so cute.  That is always the first thing I think of when I think of Richie. 

Shock and sadness. I met Richie at Air Force softball and we were both in personnel and crossed paths at various assignments. I loved how genuine he was, you always knew he was going to give it to you straight.  When the men and women’s teams were together at camp I remember the parties in the day room, could not believe the language that would come out of that mouth sometimes, or how a grown man was trying to light his farts!!!  Once you got past that, Richie is one of the best people I’ve ever met.  We had so many good times on and off the softball field! Rest in peace Richie, prayers to your beautiful family.

Too many to write here. Every memory makes me smile! Richie could just do that to you. Even on my worst day he could get a smile out of me. Haven`t golfed with you guys since my back surgery, but haven`t stopped thinking of you all. Take care my friend and remember you will never be forgotten!

Richie and I grew up together in Niceville. Our families were very close. Richie and I and our families spent practically every Sunday at Grady’s bar in Choctaw Beach or at Wayside Park. We fished, swam, skipped oyster shells and caused a lot of trouble while our parents partied and had fish fries. I think that’s where learned our love of beer. When Richie and his family moved to Portland (near Freeport), I would stay at his house often. We built a 3 hole sand golf course on the property.  I was lucky enough to play golf with Richie later on in life as well.  I hadn’t seen Richie since about 2010 when we had lunch in Dayton, OH, but I followed him on Facebook. I am so glad that Richie’s last years of his life were his happiest. He certainly adored his wife, his kids, and his grandkids. It was my blessing to know him. I pray for courage and strength for KC, Davey, Nancy, Sherry, Richie’s children and grandchildren. R.I.P. Richie....say hi to DA, Carol, Jim and Leah. I miss you !!

You will truly be missed team Rat Pack softball  member.

Very sad to hear about Rick, we all called him by that name, Got to know him during his time in the UK during his military service,  he was a member of Feltwell golf club where he made lots of friends,very popular person, we had many rounds of golf, including away weekends at other clubs, condolences to all family.

Samich, you accepted me into your family from the first day you showed up in PRU at the Heath.  I am stil in shock from the news, my heart will is still hurting.  Even though we didnt see  each other for many years I thought of you often and all the pints we drank, wings we ate, and softball games we had together.  You were always there for guidance,  help, and a kind word when someone needed it.  You got me through one of the lowest times in my life and probably saved my career with some wall to wall counciling one time.  You were a mentor,  teacher, a brother and most of a all a real friend to everyone.  Rest Easy Samich, save some wings for me when we see each other again.  Love you Brother...

In absolute shock !!! Meet Rick at feltwell golf club, england many years ago, what a nice guy, nothing to much trouble for him, remember going to Benidorm on a stag weekend and he hadn’t told anyone he was going lol, picking him up at stanstead airport for another golf trip and his clubs ended up in Dubai, what a lovely man and somebody I can honestly say was my friend and will be deeply missed, RIP mate 

First met Samich on a softball field — 91’ Air Force Worldwide at Patrick AFB.  Over the next 30 years, our friendship grew, so many stories along the way ... last saw him in 2014, when he came out to see the redwoods and Napa Valley.  He was headed home to prepare for his wedding, in love and so optimistic!  Over these last 5 years, I’ve seen he and KC loving life and each other with so much joy in his heart — as happy as I’ve ever seen him!!  We still stayed in close touch, all the time, even more during football season.  Loved his messages, with that “only Richie” opinion on a play or a call or a headline.  Oh so often, they’d have me laughing out loud — my wife wouldn’t even ask “why”, she would just say “must be from Samich”....and she’d be right!!  R.I.P, my friend!

My deepest, most sincere condolences to Kymberly and to Richie’s kids and grandkids and extended family.  He was one of my closest friends, loved him like a brother, and like all of you, I will miss him so very much!!!

James M. Stanfield, Captain, USAF (ret.)

I’ve known Richie since 1987 and we quickly became best friends. We are very competitive and our times playing softball and golf generated a lot of memorable times. We traveled on numerous excursions playing softball in the states and would meet during our military days when stationed in Europe. He was the best! I knew his father well and we used to get together at softball tournaments in the FWB area and had some awesome times. He traveled up to the DC area recently and we hooked up and talked about the good times (which were many). We also consumed a number of our favorite beverages and promised each other to hook up again. I will never forget my best friend and still trying to deal with his loss. I have met many people in my life but none better than Richie. If you want to truly gauge what a friend he was to me, please read Rudyard Kipling’s 1,000th man poem. It embodies my friend. I feel blessed to have five real friends in my life and Richie was #1. RIP brother. Bruce Morrison 

Richie, 
I remember first meeting you the summer of 2001 and immediately thought of you as a friend. Deeply saddened by the news of your passing, you will sorely be missed! Rest In Peace  my friend.
Deepest condolences to your family

Richie, 
I remember first meeting you the summer of 2001 and immediately thought of you as a friend. Deeply saddened by the news of your passing, you will sorely be missed! Rest in piece my friend.
Deepest condolences to your family.

Richie, I only knew you the last 6 or 7 years through golf.  I will miss your colorful observations on and off the course, and at the fantasy football drafts.  Thank you for your military service, rest in peace, and God bless your family.

OBITUARY

Richard E. Smith

March 9, 1961 – February 17, 2020

Beaches Chapel by Hardage-Giddens

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