Richard Leonard Smith

Richard Leonard Smith, age 59, of Omaha, Nebraska passed away on Monday, June 5, 2023. Richard was born in Omaha, NE on August 10, 1963 to Robert Smith Sr. and Constance Mackey-Smith, he was the youngest of three children.

Richard accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Pilgrim Baptist Church. During his time at Pilgrim, he sang in the Youth Choir, was a member of the Health Ministry Dept and performed in several church productions. During his time at Salem Baptist Church, Richard was an assistant in the Drama Ministry and a devoted member of the Nurse Ministry.

Richard was a 1982 Central High graduate and went on to pursue his education at UNO. He worked for Douglas County in the field of Mental Health for 22 years.

Richard, actor/singer, had a passion for singing which was inspired by his grandmother, Daphne Mackey. Because of his beautiful Baritone singing voice, he was known around town as “Mr. Music”. He was invited to sing for Presidents George H. W. Bush and Ronald Reagan, many Cotillions and Beautillions, and numerous weddings. You could see him perform in stage productions such as: “Purlie” as Purlie at the Dundee Theatre, Fats Waller in “Ain’t Misbehavin’”, at the Firehouse Theatre, Curtis Taylor Jr. in “Dreamgirls” at the Center Stage Theatre, Scarecrow in “The Wiz” at University of Nebraska/Lincoln, he was The man by the Fire, in an Omaha Performing Arts production of “Jesus Christ Superstar”, and he performed in Opera Omaha’s “Aida”.

Richard loved his family enjoying get-togethers where he often provided hours of laughter with his jokes and humorous stories.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Raymond. Those left to cherish his memory include his brother, Robert Smith Jr.; sister, Christine Mountain and nephew, Sebastian Mountain; uncles and aunts: John and Bonita Mackey (Ballwin, MO), Herbert and Velma Suzan Mackey. Aunts: Doris Tates, Mrs. Mary Edwards, Mrs. Lucille Paris, and Mrs. Jeanette Weedon-Brown. Beloved Cousins: Michelle Moore, Shonna Roberts, DeShawn Mackey, William Tate, Debra Paris, Donna Paris, Denise Paris-Gipson, DeLica Pettis (San Antonio, TX); and a host of other relatives and friends.

A visitation for Richard will be held Tuesday, June 13, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Westlawn-Hillcrest Funeral Home, 5701 Center St, Omaha, Nebraska 68106. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Pilgrim Baptist Church, 2501 Hamilton St, Omaha, Nebraska 68131.

Richard will be laid to rest in Forest Lawn Memorial Park, 7909 Mormon Bridge Rd, Omaha, Nebraska 68152.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.westlawnhillcrest.com for the Smith family.