Richard Smith

A Day to Honor and Remember Richard Noel Smith
Sunrise October 5, 1946 Sunset January 3, 2026
Richard Noel Smith, affectionately known as Dick, Rich, and "Richie Rich," will be remembered as a man who lived a full life with sharp intellect and a great sense of humor. From an early age, Richard was fearless and eager to explore the world around him. You could often find Dick outside in his Mayfield neighborhood shooting marbles, making slingshots, or downtown in Fredericksburg going to the movies and being his precocious self.
He was the youngest of three children born to Richard "Beady" Smith and Sarah Noel Smith. He was the apple of his mother's eye, and she showered him with a special kind of love that made him feel cherished throughout his life. He was his father's best friend and accompanied him on many fishing and hunting trips. Dick always appreciated a sharp outfit and took great pride in his neat appearance. Dick accepted Jesus Christ and was baptized early in life. He made it a priority to teach his children about Jesus and the lasting importance of faith.
In 1966, Richard attended the U.S. Naval Training Center in Great Lakes, Illinois, and upon graduation went on to serve his country during the Vietnam War as a combat medic, a role that reflected his courage, care, and compassion for others. Even years after his time in uniform, he remained a passionate advocate for veterans and their well-being. Following his service in the U.S. Navy, Richard traveled extensively and worked in a wide variety of fields. He served as a law enforcement officer for the Metropolitan Police Department and as a driver for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority in Washington, D.C. Richard later applied his medical skills while working as a certified nursing assistant. He also had a passion for cooking. He loved feeding others, sharing his knowledge of cooking and spent years working in various restaurants. His love of life showed through his many pursuits. No matter where life took him, Richard embraced each chapter fully and lived life on his own terms.
Richard was incredibly intelligent. He possessed a remarkable mind with the rare ability to speak thoughtfully on nearly any subject with ease. A naturally captivating storyteller and trusted advisor, he always seemed to have the right words, no matter the situation. Conversations with him were always meaningful and memorable. Richard was often surrounded by friends, laughter, and good times, as "The Big O" and Lee Rowe knows. You could also ask cousins John Vann and Reese aka "Daisy Mae" about some of those good old days. He loved watching sports and horse racing and was known for his keen sense when it came to playing numbers.
Above all, Richard was a protector who deeply loved his family, and they loved him in return. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Sarah Smith; his brother, Franklin "Frankie" Noel; his adored grandson, Joshua Blake Smith; and his baby granddaughter, Emerie Brown-Smith. He shared two daughters with his first wife, Cynthia Gray, who also preceded him in death.
He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Lilian Smith; his six dedicated children: Sarah Smith Cook, Colette Smith Price (Keith), Richard Stuart Smith, Jacob Noel Smith (Crystal), Alexander Burton Smith (Ly-Tesha), and Scarlett Smith Walker (Antonio); his devoted sister, Trudy Smith Wilson, and loyal brother-in-law, Harry Lee Wilson. Richard's love and laughter will live on through the generations of his darling fourteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild, all of whom he loved and adored. He is also lovingly remembered by many close cousins and friends who will carry his memories and stories with them always.
His love for his family was unwavering and evident in his own special ways. Richard Noel Smith lived boldly, loved deeply, and left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. Though he will be greatly missed, his love and spirit will live on forever in our hearts.
To know him was to love him. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard, please visit our floral store.