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Rick Smith Obituary
Mr. Smith, 54, planned to retire in December from Channel 7, WHIO-TV, where he'd worked since 1974.
"He started as a booth announcer, the person who said, 'It's time for News Center 7,' " said Julie Weindel, the station's news director who promoted Mr. Smith eight years ago from assignment desk to assignment manager.
"He had the biggest smile, a take-charge attitude and he knew this city inside out."
A native of Richmond, Ind., Mr. Smith was a graduate of Nettie Lee Roth High School. He lived in Trotwood for several years where he and his wife, Carmelita, raised their children Todd and Jonathan, both of Dayton, and Bunny of Detroit.
He was active in several civic organizations and served on the board of the Dayton Urban League. He was active in Omega Baptist Church, and served on the Montgomery County Jail Advisory Board, the African American Community Fund and was past host of the United Negro College Fund Telethon on WHIO-TV. He also hosted several programs, including the Gil Whitney Show. Most recently, he hosted the Sunday morning community affairs program WHIO-TV Reports.
Station Manager Harry Delaney said Mr. Smith was "a Damon Runyon character, bigger than life," referring to the newspaperman from the Prohibition era who penned short stories about unusual and colorful people.
"Rick brought wisdom, color and humor to our hallways and news operations and all within earshot of his booming voice. He knew the Dayton market county by county, office by office; its streets and its people. When he sent someone to cover a story, there's a good chance he'd been there many times himself." Mr. Smith was "a very loving, considerate man."
Dayton Urban League President Willie Walker said Mr. Smith helped him learn the area when he moved here. "He helped me make the right kind of contacts so the Urban League could do its job efficiently."
Dayton Mayor Rhine McLin called Mr. Smith "the guy behind the scenes" who "tried to give an accurate portrayal of news in the community. Because he was there, he could help make a difference. He worked very hard and a lot of people didn't know there was a Rick Smith back there."
Memories and Condolences
for Rick Smith
59 Entries
Laurence E. (Larri) Davis
July 30, 2007
Hi My name is Laurence Davis and I am just finding out. My sympathy to the family. He was a great man with a voice that will always be remembered. I remember I used to see him all the time @ his in laws house on Kammer Ave when I was little. I used to bug him for an autograph. May he rest in peace.
Tango Brown (Waldorf Lodge Royal Temple #41)
July 27, 2006
I said a little prayer for you today.
Cynthia Bass
July 13, 2006
To Carmelita and family: Just to let you know you are in my thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time in your families life. I will truly miss "the gentle giant", he was such a gift from God with his innate ability to make you smile. God bless you and may you find comfort from the "COMFORTER",all the wonderful memories, friends and family. Love ya,
Karen Williams
July 9, 2006
Dear Carmelita,
It has been many, many years since I babysat for Bunny & Todd but I have thought of your family throughout the years and often wondered what life had in store for your family. You and Ricky were always so glamourous to me and I enjoyed your friendship very much. How shocked I was to hear that Ricky had died. I pray that you are held in the loving arms of our Lord.
Love ~ Karen Leavell Williams
Sheryl Oxendine
July 7, 2006
The Smith Family
My sympathies for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.
Ricky touched our lives through radio (WDAO)and will be missed.
God bless
Rose T. Jones
July 6, 2006
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Debbie McCargo
July 5, 2006
I will always have fond memories of Ricky when he used to DJ at The Phoenix. This was a time when The Phoenix was at its peak. Ricky's music kept the place jumping between jazz sets. Ricky was kind, gracious and willing to help out wherever he was needed. He was a big man with a big heart.
Dayton's loss is heaven's gain.
Glenn Conway
July 5, 2006
Ricky was a gentle and outgoing human with a cheerful disposition. Family: Stay strong, my deepest condolences during the time.
Itesca Henderson-McDaniel
July 3, 2006
My deepest and sincere sympathy on the loss of Rick. He was friend and confidant during our years at Roth and later in our working careers. He was an inspiration to some and a great mentor to others who will surely be missed. Your family will continue to be in my prayers.
Cheryl Townsend
July 3, 2006
Please accept our words of condolence. He was a "gentle Giant" to us. We pray that you will find confort in knowing that there are many near and far who care and share in your sorrow.
Diane Richard Underwood; Cheryl Richard Townsend, Stan Richard, Earl Jr.,Kim Richard; June Richard Parker, Karen Richard, Denise Richard; Lisa Richard Pearson
patricia arnold
July 3, 2006
Our Hearts go out to you and you are remembered in our thoughts and prayers. Arnold family
Herb Gates
July 2, 2006
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
EDWARD MILLER
July 1, 2006
I would just like to send my condolences to my cousins family.I send my love and my heart goes out to the family.I will miss you cus.
JACK FAILS &FAMILY
July 1, 2006
The loss of someone so close is difficult to bear. We share your grief.
Vicky Forrest
July 1, 2006
I enjoyed knowing Ricky and appreciated his wonderful sense of humor and warmth. He will be missed by many. My most sincere condolences to his family.
Jamie Shephard-Simpson
July 1, 2006
Ricky, When ever I would see your face. I knew It was ok to laugh. and enjoyed life too the fullest. God Bless you in your family. Well Done My Servent Well Done.
Darryl, Lenora and Loren Littlejohn
July 1, 2006
To Carmelita, Anitra, Todd, and Jonathan our prayers are with you as you endure the passing of our good brother Rick. He has touch many hearts (ours included)and we shall always remember him for the good he has done and the joy he has shared. Charish the loving memories forever.
Theresa Hayes
July 1, 2006
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Angela Lacey-Seldon
June 30, 2006
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
Gayle Graham
June 30, 2006
I am saddened to hear of Ricky's passing and recall fondly of his days at WDAO. I pray that you will find comfort in Psalms 23.
Dayton Branch NAACP
June 30, 2006
Our deepest sympathy is extended to the famioly of Ricky Smith. He has been a tower of strength to this community and specially to the NAACP. Ricky has served as host MC to our Freedom Fund Banquet on several occasions and has served on the NAACP Communications Committee. He will be sadly missed and his kindness will be forever be appreciated.
E. Young
June 30, 2006
God Bless you in your time of sorrow...today we celebrate Rick's life..
Dennis Baker
June 30, 2006
Thanks, Rick for your big voice,and
outstanding talent. I remember you
on the Gil Whitney Show,thanks for
making us proud in the black
community.
THE COTTEN&HARDEN FAMILY
June 30, 2006
We extend our deepest sympathy to the Smiths family .
Tina Lee
June 30, 2006
You will be missed Ricky. May God bless you and your family.
Howard Brown
June 29, 2006
My condolences and prayers for Gods mercy go out to the Smith family. Ricky and I attended Roth High school and graduated together. Although we were not close friends, as you know, Ricky did not have any enemies.
Tommy "Russell" Roberts
June 29, 2006
I extend my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Ricky. When I started work at WDAO, Rick was the first to greet me my first night on the air. Rick's involvement in various community projects demonstrated his desire to mentor and always "GIVE BACK." May "Peace Be Still."
Marian Pittman
June 29, 2006
Ricky always made us laugh and was an absolute joy to work with every day. He made us laugh out loud and look at life from a humorous side. He was a valuable player in the success of WHIO and touched many lives with love. Carmelita, my heart goes out to you and your children. Cherish the memories. Fondly, Marian Pittman
NICOLE KNIGHT
June 29, 2006
YOU WILL BE MISSED. I KNOW YOU ARE ALREADY SHARING NEWS STORIES ABOVE.
Sher Patrick
June 29, 2006
Ricky...I'll never forget you. I was priviledged to work with you for a short five years. The channel seven newsroom will never be the same without you. My heart goes out to your family and to the news staff who spent their days with you. You left too soon.
Lee Denney
June 29, 2006
I was so sorry to learn of Rick's passing. He was a fine fellow and a good friend. Rick will be missed by the entire community he served for so long. I worked with him at Newscenter 7 more than twenty years ago, and I am richer for the experience of knowing this man.
My deepest sympathies go out to Carmelita and the entire Smith family.
While I will mourn his death, I will also celebrate his life. It was a life well lived.
Mark Roberson
June 29, 2006
May God bless and protect the family of one of the nicest human beings that I have ever met. Ricky Rest in Peace.
OLIVIA KNIGHT
June 29, 2006
TO THE FAMILY
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
OLIVIA OF SANKOFA
Bunny and Rod Graham(France)
June 29, 2006
I pray for you the family of Ricky. I grew up with him, my name was Bunny France. I was happy to see he named his daughter Bunny also. Love and prayers will get you through. God bless you all. Mr and Mrs Roderick Graham
Tony Giordullo
June 29, 2006
Even though I only worked with Rick for 4 plus years (1992-1996), he was the kind of character every workplace needs. He always knew how to pick things up during the day with his humor. And there was no mistaking that deep booming voice. Not only did it seem like Ricky knew everyone, but everyone KNEW Ricky. May you rest with the peace of God now, and may the Lord comfort your family. My thoughts and prayers are with the Smith Family.
Norvis(Harry) Beasley-Dunson
June 28, 2006
To the Family of Ricky Smith:
It saddens me that a man of such good nature has left this world. He was full of life and always tried to see the good in people. He was a very free-hearted person. We were friends back in the late 60's. My family and I would like to send our sincere sympathy to his wife, children and to his mother(Mary Frances). Look to the hills from which cometh your help. All of your help cometh from the Lord. During your time of sorrow, the Lord will give you strength. Hold to God's unchanging hand. May the Lord continue to bless and keep you in His care.
Booker t. Izell
June 28, 2006
My heart goes out to Rick's family, I worked for Cox Enterprises Inc,retired in 2004, the parent company of whio-tv and the dayton daily news where I worked until being transfered to Atlanta Georgia, whenever I came to Dayton Rick and I would alway make a point to get together and share stories, he was great for the dayton community and will be surely missed, but he is in a better place now and God knows when to bring his children home,,,
God Bless,
Bruce Mills
June 28, 2006
My memories of Ricky were that of a young kid at Roth. Always smiling and care free. May God bless your soul and may you rest in peace.
Joe & Theressa smith
June 28, 2006
He was man bigger than life and kept lots laughter in the air and was truly a character!
Paul Pflaum
June 28, 2006
I remember Rick Smith as a mentor when I tried to get to get started in telecommunications in Dayton after my enlistment was up from the Navy in 1971. He gave me straight up advice. He is a man of honor, honesty, integrity, values, ethics and humor. I say this in the present tense because he embodies all mentioned above and this is how we will remember him. He is still among us in our memories of him. He's not gone...we all have him with us in our minds. He was taken too soon. He knows we are grieving, but I think he wants us to smile knowing that he's in the glow of The Lord. I thank the Lord for the time that Rick Smith took to give me in direction in my life. His advice is ongoing...I left Dayton in 1971 and became a freelance writer. I have been successful due to Rick's advice. I have prayed that the grief of the family and friends be tempered knowing that he is in a better place. He is not among us, but he is near. My love to the family.
Ken Jefferson
June 28, 2006
To Carmelita and the Smith family:
I'm so sorry to hear the news of Rick's passing. He and I shared the trenches at WHIO for 25 years. And on many occasions, after work we shared a few drinks in various local watering holes. Rick was genuinely one of the funniest guys I've ever known who with little effort could make me laugh so hard I'd embarrass myself by spewing beer in my lap, on the floor or through my nose. Anyone who knew Rick would understand that.
A devout Christian, Rick loved his family and the Dayton community. He lived a full life however brief and touched us all in different ways. We'll all miss the sound of his familiar laugh, his spirited outlook on life and (for my colleagues at WHIO), the site of that bulging wallet of his stuffed with business cards and notes which he carried around like a filing cabinet.
Carmelita, my thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
Sheriff Gene A. Kelly
June 28, 2006
To the Smith Family, We all share your loss. Rick was truly a GOOD Man, and he really cared deeply about his fellow man. I am very proud to have called him my friend.
My sincere prayers are with you all, I will miss him.
Edward Hatch
June 28, 2006
I was shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of my dear friend Ricky. He was always joyful and very willing to help you. He taught me how to spin records when he was Dee Jaying in the clubs.When he wanted to take a break I would fill in for him. He was just a great person to be around. To his family you are all in my prayers.
Howard Favors jr
June 28, 2006
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Della S Abbott
June 28, 2006
To the family of Ricky Smith, Ricky was a kind hearted man. He would never say anything bad about anyone, he would speak his mind. He would love to laugh and have fun. He wil be missed dearly by everyone.
Courtney Travis
June 28, 2006
As a friend of one of Ricky's kids years ago, Ricky was a very kind and outgoing man to me. I remember as kids him taking us during summers down to the station so we could meet some of the TV news anchors and we could watch tapings of the Channel 7 talk shows back in the early 80's. It was like a little taste of Hollywood for me to see these local celebrities and to be in the studio audience. It was really fun. Thank you Ricky for your kindness and may the Lord bless you on your journey home.
Michael Leibold
June 28, 2006
My condolences to Rick's family. I knew Rick from when I was an intern at WHIO and Rick was always a great man and good friend. He will be missed. God Bless you Rick and God Bless your family.
Deborah Tarrance
June 28, 2006
Ricky, we go back, way way back. You will be greatly missed for the fine person you were. May God welcome you into His mighty Kingdom and you find Peace. My heartfelt sympathy to your Family.
Matt Goeller
June 28, 2006
As a former Cox Broadcasting employee on the radio side I had the pleasure of interacting with Rick on many occassions through the years. I never recall an unkind word eminating from him. That booming laugh and the professional manner in which he succeeded in his profession will be sorely missed.
TINA PARKS
June 28, 2006
To the family of Ricky Smith in your time of sorrow. My heart goes out to you for your loss as well as mine. Ricky was a dear friend, I have known him almost all of my life from childhood to adulthood. Words cannot explain the sorrowing I feel for you, but always remember
God's strength and power.
"WEEPING MAY ENDURE FOR A NIGHT, BUT
JOY COMES IN THE MORNING; PSALM 30:5"
My prayer are with you, God bless you.
Tina Smith-Parks
Charda & Jamar Juniel
C Grigsby
June 28, 2006
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
Roosevelt Dunn
June 28, 2006
I remember Rick's excitement and dedication to the radio station he helped get started at Roth H.S.. I knew then that there was somthing special about Rick. He was always positive and encourageing to the younger classmates at Roth. I know this separation is painful, but be encouraged...for the separation is but for a while.
Roosevelt Dunn, Roth class of '72
Minister Brenda J. Bush, St. Paul Global Outreach Ministries
June 28, 2006
There are no words I can say that will express how much you will be missed. God made you special for this season of our lives. Ecclesiates 3:1 – To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven . . . We thank you for the gift your living brought to each of us from childhood to adulthood. We'll always remember you.
Wanda Parks
June 28, 2006
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Loan Operations Ann Arbor Commerce Bank
June 28, 2006
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Nyra Cartwright-Davenport
June 28, 2006
I extend my deepest sympathy to the family of Ricky. We go back to elementary school, where he threw the first night time party! That was big stuff back then because we were barely teenagers. I have many memories of those days, and it brought great pride knowing that "my homeboy" from Wogaman Elementary was such a success. My prayers are with you as you celebrate the life and times of your loved one.
Cynthia Hayes
June 28, 2006
Here today we celeabrate this life of ricky smith,I was so sorry to hear of your lost,But I can remeber the kind of fun guy Mr.Smith was he would'nt want a sad day or a lot of saddness or a buch of tears just to remeber his fun,laughter and take charge additude,Brother Elk we pray and lift up your family for you will be sadlly missed...Chaplin Cynthia Hayes of Royal Temple 41...
John Canelli
June 28, 2006
Rick was a larger than life guy with a big heart. It's a shame it stopped beating so soon.
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