Obituary: Richard Dennis Smith, December 28, 1952 - February 2, 2025

Richard Dennis Smith, born on December 28, 1952, in Portland, Oregon, passed away peacefully at his home in Greenville, South Carolina, on February 2, 2025.

He was the youngest of five children born to William and Victoria (Landry) Smith.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, William and Victoria Smith, his brothers, Michael and Charles (Valerie); and his beloved German Shepherd, Scorpio.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Dr. Sharon Kelly W. Smith; his children, Chamara Smith, Richella Smith of Seattle, Wash. and William Michael Johnson of Phoenix, Arizona; his sisters, Barbara Smith and Gloria Smith of Portland; and a host of nieces and nephews. He was affectionately known as "Papa Rich" to Patience, Blessing, and Grace of Seattle.

Richard was a member of Vancouver Baptist Church in Portland, Oregon (Dr. Henessee) where he was baptized.

Service will be held in Asheville, North Carolina on February 15, 2025 at 12 p.m. EST at Community Baptist Church, 103 Burton Street. There are plans to memorialize Richard in the Portland area. Date to be determined.

The funeral service for Richard Smith will be live streamed Saturday, February 15 at 12 p.m. EST and 9:00 a.m. PST on the Facebook page of Avery’s Memorial Chapel Asheville North Carolina.