Bernard Franklin Smith

Bernard Franklin Smith, 64, better known as Bernie died on July 12, 2022, despite our objection. Bernie was born on May 30, 1958 to Aggie and Stan Smith in Charleston, WV. Raising eyebrows since day one being the only sibling of five with red hair. Oops… strawberry blonde. He was very adamant about that detail (always the princess). Bernie was living a happy life in Glen Allen, VA, with his arm candy of 13 years, Susie Longest and their dog Belle (the dog they definitely were not going to get). A relationship between two goofball best friends who kept each other loving, laughing and fishing. Susie brought with her a slew of family including 4 kids and 12 grandkids that kept Bernie hopping to happy family functions. To keep him presentable she stayed on top of his pedicure appointments for these events. Color or clear depending on the occasion, of course. Yes, this manly man had regular pedicures. Bernie was a great father and steadfast friend to Chris Smith and Carissa Smith. He introduced them to white water rafting, kayaking and weird music. He filled their lives with endless fun memories; mostly in the great outdoors. He loved taking them fishing, kayaking, hunting and hiking. Laughing while making jokes and memories along the way. He shared these two children, one granddaughter and endless memories with Debi Alderman-Smith whom he was happily married to for 25 years; 27 total. Giggle. We joke. Bernie had one sibling left to torment and kid with, whom also lived here in Richmond, VA. Mary Smith Vaughan was also a kayaking and white-water rafting buddy to Bernie. They were close and shared many old and new memories, although they loved to act like they solely put up with the other. We all knew better. Every one of our family functions was incredibly fun and full of laughing – Bernie was a HUGE part of this formula. He deeply loved his family and making them laugh. Whether it was due to him trying to do the Roger Rabbit (upon request), having our family balance ball competition or yelling something embarrassing to one of us across a crowded store. He loved to laugh and make us laugh. Bernie will be greatly missed by his Lovey Susie, his children Chris, Carissa (Josh), Keri (Darrell), Mark (Beth), Peter (Stephanie), Kathlin (Layne), thirteen grandkids, his ex-wife Debi, his sister Mary, and a multitude of kayaking friends. Thank you Bernie for the embarrassingly funny memories. A memorial service will take place August 7, 10 am at Pony Pasture for any friends and family that would like to come and celebrate his life.