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Richard Smith Obituary
Richard leaves behind his loving and devoted wife of 51 years, Jean; his daughter Sharon Wolfgang; son-in-law Kevin; and the apples of his eye, his two granddaughters, Lauren and Courtney; and many close friends.
Born and raised in Burlington, NC, the son of Aurelious and Alice Smith, both deceased; his half-brother, Jeep Smith, deceased, he lived his life between North Carolina and Virginia. He was also preceded in death by his sons, Craig and Perry.
Richard was an avid athlete, playing basketball before graduating from Walter Williams High School in 1957. He went on to work for Western Electric for 30 years, retiring as a supervisor for AT&T's Richmond manufacturing facility. Not ready to retire, Richard worked for the Virginia State Golf Association as the Director of Championships until his latest endeavor, implementing and running the Junior Youth Golf Tournaments. As a devoted member of Slash Christian Church in Ashland, VA, he served as the congregation's Treasurer for 30 years.
He was an avid golfer and a member of Hermitage Country Club in Manakin-Sabot, VA since 1978. During his golfing career he won many championships in the area to include the Richmond Open Amateur and RGA Seniors Open. Hermitage Country Club made Richard a lifetime honorary member in 2007 for all of his many years of service to the game of golf and it members. In 2008, the PGA Middle Atlantic Section presented him with the David Wortman Citizen of the Year Award for his outstanding community leadership and generous and tireless support of golf, the PGA, and the Middle Atlantic Section.
Visitation will be held Thursday, Jan. 21, 2016, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. with the Service immediately following at Bennett Funeral Home, 8014 Lee-Davis Road, Mechanicsville, VA 23111. Interment will be Monday, Jan. 25, 2016, at 1 p.m. in Alamance Memorial Park, 4039 South Church Street, Burlington, NC 27215.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Slash Christian Church, 11353 Mount Hermon Road, Ashland, VA 23005, c/o Richard Smith Fund.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Keith and Jessica Rathbone
January 21, 2016
Dear Jean Smith
You and Richard both have been a highlight in my life over the past seven years, since Jessica and Stephen started playing on the Junior Golf VSGA circuit. Although I only knew Richard through the junior tournaments, I knew him to be a wonderful human, friendly to all, especially the kids. When we arrived at the junior tournaments, you and Richard were the first ones we would look for and many times the last ones we said goodbye to at the end of the day. I will miss seeing him and talking with him as I felt he was like a family member. My heart goes out to you and your family as I know you will miss him so much. I hope you can continue with the junior golf circuit and I will always remember and see Richard there, every time Jessica stands on the first tee of a VSGA tournament.
Keith Rathbone
Sharon Wheeler
January 20, 2016
So sorry for your loss. I was just thinking about you all the other day. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Sharon McIntyre Wheeler
January 20, 2016
Jean, Sharon and family; I am so saddened to hear of Richard's passing. He was one of the best men I knew and always had my back. I loved working for him and so glad we stayed in touch all these years. I loved our talks and dinners. I am going to miss him terribly. He loved his family so much and the game of golf was such a passion for him. RIP Richard. With my deepest sympathy, Vicki
Jimmy "Andy" Anderson
January 20, 2016
My sincere condolences to Jean and family. Richard was a dear friend, who contacted me often over the years, to check on the health of my family and me. I loved him like a brother. May he rest in peace. class of 57.
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Freddie Reiber
January 19, 2016
Jean, Richard was always a winner, starting with our 1952 North Carolina Midget Football Championship, through Williams High School, attending breakfast quarterly with all his sports friend and his entire life.
January 19, 2016
Jean,
Lillibeth and I are saddened to hear that
Richard passed away. I loved talking golf with Richard and I am fortunate to have known him and worked with him for 10 years.
RIP, Richard.
With deepest sympathy,
Jamie and Lillibeth
Peggy Camp
January 19, 2016
Jean, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Richard. You have my deepest sympathy and understanding. Love and prayers to you and all the family.
January 19, 2016
Jean and Family, Jerry and I are so sorry about the loss of Richard. Richard was one of the finest men we have ever known. Please accept our prayers and love. Jerry and Sallie Capps
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8014 Lee Davis Rd, Mechanicsville, VA 23111
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