Smith, Richard Martin
Obituary
Richard Martin Smith, 89, passed away in Plano, Texas on Friday, September 10, 2021. Born January 12, 1932, in Akron, Ohio, Richard lived in Talmadge, Ohio; Dallas, Texas; Kansas City, Kansas; Chicago, Illinois; and Flint, Texas. Richard joined the Navy at 16 in 1948 and after graduating from Kent State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1953, he transferred to the United States Army as an officer. Richard served on active duty for 2 years and as a member of the Army Reserves for 21 years. Richard was promoted to the ranks of Second Lieutenant in July of 1953; First Lieutenant in June of 1956 and Captain in July of 1960. He retired from the Army Reserves in 1992. Richard worked for Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company for 45 years, retiring in 1994. He was a member of the First Christian Church in Tyler where he previously served as an Elder, Church Treasurer and Overseer of the Building and Grounds. He also previously served on the Boards of the Tyler Chapter of Habitat for Humanity, the Camp Fannin Association in Tyler, and in memory of his sister Doris, served as the Chairman of the Coins for Kidney campaign of the Kidney Foundation of Summit County, Ohio. Survivors include son Wayne Smith and wife Vickey of Dallas; daughter Karen Miller and husband James of Kennedale; son Doug and wife Vicki of Sunnyvale; grandchildren Lindsay Smith Kline (Lee); Elliott Miller (Amber); Brittnay Smith Arroliga (Marel); Chad Smith (Megan); Brandon Smith (Kacie); Whitney Miller Alcala (Jacob); Lauren Smith Hofferber (Derek); Courtney Smith and Christopher Smith; great-grandchildren Catherine Kline, Chloe Kline, Michaela Kline, Jaelen Kline, Morgan Kline, Andrew Alcala, Daniel Hofferber, Ella Miller, David Arroliga, Marcus Hofferber, Liam Miller, and Sloane Smith; numerous beloved nieces, nephews and other extended family and friends; and, finally, his loving companion of 18 years LuLu Nourse. Richard was preceded in death by his parents Martin and Dorothy Smith; sisters Doris Smith Wolfe and Marilyn Smith Landis; brother Ron Smith; and great-granddaughter Abby Hofferber. Richard had a giving heart. He loved spending time helping family, friends and neighbors. He loved having his family come out and spend time with him at the lake. He was a generous host and loved spending time with his friends and neighbors in The Hills. A celebration of Richard’s life will be held Saturday, September 25 at 12:00 o’clock at First Christian Church of Tyler, 4202 S. Broadway Avenue. (Livestream from the church website, fcctyler.org) Following the service, please join us to further celebrate Richard with food and fellowship, his favorite two things. Richard was extremely patriotic, so we encourage you to wear red, white and blue. Richard will be interred with Military Honors on November 5, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at the Dallas/Fort Worth National Cemetery, Dallas. Richard had a giving spirit and he always preferred to donate to a charitable organization to honor a friend or loved one. In keeping with his practice, in lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to the charity or organization of your choice. Some of Richard’s favorite causes are:
- First Christian Church of Tyler: fcctyler.org
- Habitat for Humanity of Smith County, Texas: smithcountyhabitat.org/donate-online
- Rescue 22 Foundation (supplying service dogs to Veterans): rescue22foundation.org
- National Kidney Foundation: kidneyfund.org
Arrangements under the direction of:
Aria Cremation Service and Funeral Home
19310 Preston Road
Dallas, Texas 75252
(214) 306-6700
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Condolences to Richard’s extensive family. He lived a long full life and did a lot of good for others. He focused so many years on his grandchildren, an example to many of us. Love to the family who cared for him so diligently.
Richard was such a blessing to so many–neighbors, church and community. He will be missed.
My association with Richard was multi-layered. My deceased husband Sidney and I shared many MOAA occasions together plus a few at Camp Fanning. We were in the same Sunday School class and sat on the same pew with him. There were numerous Sunday lunches with a group of about 12. Richard had high ethics, friendly personality, and was a true Patriot.
He is missed.
To the family, you have my sincere condolence.