Daniel Robert Smith

SMITH, Daniel Robert, 86, of Richmond passed away March 24, 2018. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Miriam Smith, and his brother, Richard C. Smith. He is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Louise D. Smith, his two daughters, Elizabeth S. Ellwanger (David) and Susan S. Moore (Hudson), two granddaughters, Katherine M. Custer (David) and Sarah E. Moore, a sister-in-law, Carolyn Smith and one niece Rachel Williams. He grew up in McKenzie, Tennessee, graduated from Vanderbilt University in 1953 with a BS in chemistry and participated in graduate work at the University of Mississippi. It was there he met his wife. In his early years as a chemist, Dan worked for Pitman-Moore producing the first generation of successful polio vaccines. He eventually moved his family to Richmond, Virginia in 1965 and had a successful and fulfilling 25-year career with A.H. Robins Pharmaceutical Company. After retirement, he was a volunteer at St. Mary's Hospital and enjoyed traveling in Europe, Canada, and the U.S. with his wife. He was a gentle, unassuming Christian, a talented musician and soloist who enjoyed studying languages, science and technology and most of all, spending time with his family. For many years he was a member at All Saints Episcopal Church, where he sang in the choir and served on the vestry. In recent years he returned to St. Matthew's Episcopal Church (1101 Forest Avenue, Richmond, VA 23229) where his funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 3rd at 1:00pm and interment immediately following in the church memorial garden. The family will receive friends at a reception after the service. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial gifts to St. Matthews or the Tuckahoe Volunteer Rescue Squad (1101 Horsepen Road, Richmond, VA 23229).