Richard Bell Smith

1932 - 2024

Richard Bell Smith

October 5, 1932 - September 27, 2024

Richard Bell Smith, age 91, passed away on September 27, 2024 at home in Fishersville, VA surrounded by his family.

Born in 1932 in Philadelphia, PA, he was the son of Irving Bell Smith and Helen Walton Smith. Richard participated in the Boy Scouts growing up, earning the rank of Eagle Scout. He later served as Assistant District Commissioner for the Mountain Valley District and completed the Wood Badge in 2011. Richard went to Haverford College. After taking a break in his studies to serve in the United States Army in Germany from 1953-55, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1957.

Richard began his career in advertising and later shifted to medical writing. He founded Smith Simon Company with his wife, Elizabeth. They were both active in the American Medical Writers Association. In 1990, they moved to Virginia, eventually settling in Love, VA where they worked from their home, Humming Hill. A handy woodworker, Richard built bookcases to hold their large collection of books, as he had done in every home where he lived.

Richard loved classical music, opera, animals, gardening and his friends, with whom he enjoyed memorable times in Chincoteague, Scotland, and around the pool at Humming Hill. He loved word play and could be counted on to recite a risqué limerick. He faced life with characteristic optimism and rarely complained, except about politicians and other drivers.

An avid reader, Richard worked his way through the thriller/espionage section of the Waynesboro library. He enjoyed many hobbies throughout his life: wood carving, scuba diving and fly fishing among them. He once remarked, "you have to spend $1000 on a hobby before you lose interest."

With Elizabeth, Richard enjoyed many years as an active member of St. John's Episcopal Church in Waynesboro, VA, where he served on the vestry, as a lay reader and as a Lay Eucharistic Minister, taking communion to homebound members.

Richard is survived by his wife of 53 years, Elizabeth Simon Smith, children Beverly Riddell (Mike) of Staunton, VA, Margo Smith (Tom Cogill) of Crozet, VA, Scott Smith (Lisa Smith) of Wyncote, PA, grandchildren Sarah Riddell, Matthew Riddell and Ambar Lyn Smith, former wife Marney Gibbs of Staunton, and sisters Jan LaFaver, Valerie Ciliberti and Jill Smith of Pennsylvania.

His family would like to thank the hospice nurses and care givers who endeavored to make Richard comfortable at home during the past year, particularly Nevin and Marjorie.

Richard donated his body to medical research. A memorial service will be held at a future date.