Richard M. Smith

Richard M. (Dick) Smith, age 88, passed away at home in Palm Beach Gardens, Friday morning, August 7, 2015. He was surrounded by his four children, their spouses, his grandchildren and dearly loved friends and pastor, Tom and Donna Mullins. Dick was born on May 20, 1927, in New Kensington, PA to Stanley G. and Nellie Smith. He was a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in Business Administration. Dick was preceded in death by his beloved wife Mable in 2005, whom he met in the church choir in Pittsburgh. They married and moved to Riviera Beach on their honeymoon in 1951, where they raised their family.

Dick was employed by S & H Insurance, where he rose to Vice President, before moving on to establish his own successful Agency, Dick Smith Mobile Home Insurance, in the days when a hand shake and a man’s word was a binding contract. Dick was a true civic leader, serving on the City Council in Riviera Beach during the 1950’s; as a Vice President and 30 year member of the Chamber of Commerce, where he was chosen ‘Man of the Year’ in 1968; was elected in 1973 to the Board of Directors of First National Bank & Trust of Riviera Beach; and was an active member and officer of Riviera Beach’s Kiwanis Club International during his entire working career. During this time he was also a realtor and involved in a variety of real estate activities in the community.

In the 1960’s Dick was also a founding trustee of Warner Southern College (now Warner University) in Lake Wales, FL, where he served for many years as Chairman and board member. In later years, he received an honorary doctorate degree for his outstanding humanitarian contributions.

Dick was instrumental in the beginning of First Church of God of Palm Beach Gardens (now Church in the Gardens) in 1962, as well as several other churches during his lifetime. He was a founding member of Christ Fellowship Church over 32 years ago, and served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Elders until his death. He also helped give birth to Place of Hope children’s home that has served over 5000 children and the foster care system in recent years. His leadership has helped CF to develop children’s homes around the world from India to South America. Dick’s vision and leadership has been the heart of Christ Fellowship’s Ministry to impact not only this region, but also the nations of the world with the love and message of Jesus Christ.

He leaves to cherish his memory and carry on his Christian legacy four children: Paula (Steve) Austin, C.Dick (Brenda) Smith, Carrie (John) Foster and Tedd (Carolyn) Smith; eleven grandchildren: Scott (Helen) Austin, Jennifer (Doug) Jones, Stephanie (George) Wheeler, Emily Smith, Ryan Stewart, John, Sarah, James and Jordan Foster, Victoria (Josh) Lewis and Erica Smith; five great grandchildren: Tahleah, Ana and Delaney Austin, Logan Lewis and Rihanna Smith; brother Stanley Smith, sisters Lois Brandenstein and Eileen Morris, and numerous nieces and nephews who loved Uncle Dick.

Dick’s memorial celebration service will be held on Friday evening, August 14th at 6:30, in the North Campus Sanctuary of Christ Fellowship Church, 5343 Northlake Blvd, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418 (561-799-7600). The celebration will be followed by a reception in the Life Center, where the family will greet and visit with everyone who wishes to attend.

As a suggestion, in lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Dick Smith Memorial Fund at Christ Fellowship that was set up to honor his legacy through projects to serve children both here and abroad; or, Liberty Street Church of God Building Fund, 240 Liberty St, Clarion, PA 16214 (814-226-8672).

Arrangements by Howard-Quattelbaum Funeral Home, 754 US Highway 1, North Palm Beach, FL.