Richard D. Smith, 95, died of heart failure at Medical City hospital in Arlington, Texas on June 20, 2022. He was born August 15, 1926 in Spur, Texas to Sam and Eula Smith. He joined his older brothers, Alva, Glenn, Wayne, Bill, and would be joined by two younger brothers, Merritt and Ezra.

The Smith family lived in a number of farming communities in central and west northeast Texas. Much of Richard's life was spent in Ellis County around the communities of Crisp, Reagor Springs, and Red Oak in the 20s and 30s. In 1944, Richard enlisted in the US Navy and served aboard the USS Bland in the Pacific Theatre of World War II. Richard received an Honorable Discharge from the Navy in 1946 and returned to Ellis County.

In 1950 he met and married Norma Jean Pate of Lancaster. The couple first settled in Garland, but soon made their permanent home in Lancaster, now the hometown of both the Smiths and the Pates. In 1957, their only son, Larry was born. Richard built a flourishing career in the ball bearing business, managing distribution offices for major manufacturers and was beloved by his co-workers and customers, who knew him as "Smitty," the man with all the answers. He was also an enthusiastic supporter of Lancaster High School sports and served a year as President of the Quarterback Club, the LHS sports booster organization.

Richard was preceded in death by his father, Sam; mother, Eula; brothers, Alva, Glenn, Wayne, Bill, Merritt, and Ezra; as well as his wife, Norma Jean. He is survived by his son, Larry; brother and sisters-in-law, Marie Patton, Joann Goforth, Joe and Peggy Smith; and all the nieces and nephews who loved "Uncle Richard."

Visitation will be Thursday, June 23 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm and funeral service 10:00 Friday, June 24 all at Byrum Funeral Home Chapel, 425 N. Dallas Ave. Lancaster TX 75146. Burial with military honors will be at Crisp Cemetery in Ellis County.