Richard Smith Obituary
The Reverend Richard Byron Smith
1927-2025
The Reverend Richard Byron Smith, a dedicated servant of God and beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully from natural causes on August 30, 2025, in Greensboro, North Carolina. He was 98 years old.
Born on July 28, 1927, in Newport News, Virginia, Dick led a life marked by devotion to his faith, his family, and the communities he served. A proud veteran, he served his country honorably in the United States Navy as a Seabee in a Construction Battalion in the Pacific. Following his military service, he found his true calling in ministry, becoming an Episcopal priest. Throughout his distinguished career, he ministered to congregations across Kentucky, Ohio, Virginia, North Carolina, as well as internationally in Costa Rica and Nicaragua. His gentle spirit and wisdom left a lasting impact on all who knew him.
Dick was an avid reader with a deep love for the classics and poetry, often penning sonnets and verses that reflected his profound insight and appreciation for the beauty of language. Music was another passion, providing him joy and solace throughout his life.
He is survived by his devoted wife of many years, Mary Lou Boon Smith of Greensboro; his children, Jennie Laurent and husband Carl of Greensboro, Randy Smith and wife Cathy of Raleigh, and Amy Fleming and husband Jim of Tallahassee, Florida. He was a proud grandfather to six grandchildren: Sam, Christy, Eric, Julie, Brad, and Mary; and cherished great-grandfather to eight great-grandchildren: Hudson, Maddie, Hadley, Jack, Smith, Lacy, Shep, and Willow.
A graveside service will be held at 11 o'clock on Wednesday, September 3rd, 2025, at All Souls Natural Burial Ground. A memorial service to celebrate Dick's life and legacy will follow at eleven o'clock on Saturday, September 6th, 2025, at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 1300 Jefferson Road, Greensboro, North Carolina 27410. A reception will take place in the church parish hall immediately following the service.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family graciously requests that memorial contributions be made to Heifer International, an organization close to Dick's heart, at https://www.heifer.org/give.
May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
2110 Servomation Road, Greensboro, NC 27407
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