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Richard Smillie Obituary
Richard was born Nov. 3, 1958, in Du Quion to Bill and Patricia (Murphy) Smillie.
He is survived by his parents of Royalton; two brothers and a sister-in-law, Patrick and Deanna Smillie of Royalton and Billy Don Smillie and girlfriend, Tracey Beardsley of Royalton; a sister and brother-in-law, Gaye and John Butler of West Frankfort; three nephews, Khole Smillie of Royalton, David and Nathan; a niece, Julie Butler of West Frankfort; a maternal grandmother, Anne Murphy of Rockford; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
His paternal grandparents, Walter and Edna Smillie and maternal grandfather, O'Leria Murphy preceded him in death.
Richard was an avid reader and knowledgeable in electrical work and plumbing. He enjoyed bluegrass music with his friend, Keith Ceresoli, and traveling across Southern Illinois with his friend, Tom Shafer.
Services for Mr. Smillie will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 19, in Vantrease Funeral Home in Royalton with Brother Don Colson officiating. Burial will be in Miners Cemetery east of Royalton. Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Mr. Smillie are suggested to Hospice of Southern Illinois Inc., 204 Halfway Road, Marion, IL 62959.
For more information and to sign the online register book, visit www.vantreasefuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Smillie
Melody Viernum-Finney
December 22, 2011
Bill, Pat and Family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Richard was a very special man, I felt honored to be his friend. I am sorry I could not attend his services due to my work schedule. May you find comfort in knowing he is no longer in pain. Please know, you all are in my thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time.
Mike & Becky Land
December 22, 2011
It's hard to believe as Tina said, the memories of the days of "when". We never thought about growing old until we got here. Now we wish we could turn back the time clock and never have to think about the grave ahead of us. But because of Jesus, we all have hope beyond this vail of tears. To live is Christ and to die is gain. When it is time to finish with our heads held high because we will be able to commit our spirits unto Him that made us. Hopefully our accomplishments will out weigh our disappointments. Richard (Spike) may your reward be rich beyond your wildest immaginations. God Bless you Pat, Bill and family. You are in our prayers.
Sandy Tennyson
December 19, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
December 18, 2011
My condolences and prayers to the family. I will always have fond memories of Richard. He once told me I was like a breath of fresh air, but in reality, I think he brings out the best in his friends. I will never forget his infectious laugh, and his free spirit ways. Rest in peace, my dear friend.
Pat Nix
December 18, 2011
i am so sorry for your loss, spike was a special man. love and prayers to all of you.
Tina (Viernum) Barclay
December 18, 2011
I am sorry to hear of Richard passing. School days now seem like a million years ago....and sadly, that was the last time I saw him. My sympathy to the family, you will be in my thoughts.
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