Rick W. Smith

1951 - 2024

Rick W. Smith
Franklin - On December 2, 2024, Rick Wallace Smith went to Heaven. You can be sure Chad met him at the gate, and they are watching a basketball game while listening to Elvis.
Rick was born March 12, 1951, to Wallace and Alice Smith of Jacksonville. Rick attended Jacksonville Schools and graduated from Illinois College. While at IC, he lived at home so he could help farm. Upon graduation from IC in 1973, he was hired by the Franklin School District.
Rick taught at Franklin for 48 years, retiring in 2021. He taught three generations of families. Besides teaching, Rick coached Jr. High boys' basketball and high school cross country. He served as the athletic director and dean of students. He held a commercial driver's license solely to take his team to meets, always the first bus in the lot.
For many years, Rick was president and treasurer of the Morgan County Conference and MSM Conferences for both Jr High and High School. He served as IADA District 17 Representative. Rick was inducted into the IBCA Friends of Basketball Hall of Fame and the IADA Hall of Fame. While the junior high basketball coach, Rick was named IBCA District Coach of the Year multiple times.
In 1991, Rick helped organize the annual Franklin Lion's Club 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament. The popular event showcases some of the area's greatest talents.
He considered one of his greatest accomplishments the biennial 'March to Memphis'. In 1999, he and Shane combined the focus of their history and music classes and came up with the idea to take the junior high students to Memphis, Tennessee to see the Civil Rights Museum, Sun Studios, and Graceland. Senator Obama donated to the cause. The biennial tradition continued for 22 years.
Besides teaching, Rick spent his summers painting with Dave and later Ralph. He was a St. Louis Cardinals fan and rarely missed watching a game.
Rick and his first wife, Paula have a son, Kyle (Parker). They divorced in 1984. At the Waverly Holiday Tournament in 1985, he met Sue. They have two children, Phillip and Sharon. This year they celebrated their 38th anniversary. Rick is survived by his children; two grandchildren, Charlotte and Greyson; a niece Cara (Josh); and great nieces Kenzie and Analice.
Preceding Rick were his parents and a brother, Doug.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 - 7:00 PM THURSDAY, December 5, 2024, at Williamson Funeral Home in Jacksonville. Funeral services will be held 10:00 AM SATURDAY, December 7, 2024, at Williamson Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Diamond Grove Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Franklin High School. Condolences may be sent online at www.airsman-hires.com.