Richard Edward Smith, 80, passed away on Friday, July 17, 2020, at Rush Hospital in Meridian, Mississippi. Graveside services and interment will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 20 at Indian Springs Assembly of God Cemetery with Bro. Franklin Smith officiating. The family urges everyone to follow COVID-19 precautions.
Richard was born April 25, 1940, to Earl and Allie Swindle Smith in Winston County. He was a faithful member of Indian Springs Assembly of God Church. Richard retired from Brisland Construction where he worked as a plumber and a welder. He enjoyed riding horses and motorcycles, and he loved woodworking.
Richard is survived by his wife Mavis Drury Smith of Noxapater, Mississippi. He was “Pop” to his sons: Ryan (Kristi) Smith; Randy (Janess) Smith; Rodney Smith; and Jesse (Rebecca) Dickerson; and his daughter India Dickerson (Blainne) Martin. Richard is also survived by three step-children and their families: Donna Eakes, Dobie (Raye Carol) Eakes; and Melissa (Joe) Rush. One of his greatest joys was being “PawPaw” to his 12 grandchildren: Madeleine Smith, Renner Smith, Keller Smith, Mia Smith, Eli Smith, Kailee Brown, Kollins Smith, Kaden Brown, Kye Smith, Brynnleigh Dickerson, James Colt Dickerson, and Kevin Kace Nichols. Richard also leaves behind eight sisters to mourn his passing: Eva Dean Johnson, Christine Yates, Sammie Hemphill, Gladys Drury, Josephine Quinn, Rosemary Brady, Ann Jenkins, and Allie Bozeman; and three brothers: Garland (Geraldine) Smith, Bobby Joe (Judy) Smith, and Rex Allen (Betty) Smith. He is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers Jimmy Don and Paul Smith and his sister Delma Ruth Slawson.
Serving as pallbearers are Tim Boatner, Gene Clay, Kenny Drury, Bobby Mayo, Paul Smith, and Wayne Smith. Dustin Quinn will be serving as an honorary pallbearer.
Services are under the direction of Nowell-Massey Funeral Home, 724 North Columbus Avenue, Louisville, MS. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by signing the guest register at www.nowellmasseyfuneralhome.com.
