Richard A. Smith

Richard A. Smith, 83, passed away November 9, 2016. Born June 26, 1933 in North Hampton, Ohio to Orval and Ruth Smith, Richard graduated from Northwestern High School and immediately joined the Navy. He served three years, flying in Naval seaplanes as a radar operator.
Richard married his high school sweetheart Lucy Faye Ream. Richard and Faye celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary this past September. Richard earned a BS in Electrical Engineering from Ohio State University in 1960 and worked at Grimes Manufacturing, Urbana, Ohio for 33 years as an engineer and eventually as manager of research and development.
Following his retirement, Richard became co-founder of Freshwater Farms of Ohio, working alongside his eldest son, Dr. Dave Smith for the next 30 years. Richard loved meeting and greeting Freshwater Farm customers. In spite of his declining physical health, he continued to help out in the farm’s sales room. Richard was active in the Central Ohio Emmaus Community since 1987. He was also a member of the Urbana Lions Club for more than 40 years and served on the Board of Trustees for Lawnview Industries.
Richard is preceded in death by his youngest son, Tom.
He is survived by his loving wife and caregiver, Faye Smith; his children, Dave (Carol) Smith and Karen (David) Loffing; his only sister, Marilyn (Ron) Saville; niece Diahann (Caius) Hawkins and nephew Mark (Myra) Hughes; beloved grandchildren, Ben (Robin) Smith, Gretchen (Michael) Bonasera, Nate (Allison) Loffing, Joe Loffing; and five great grandchildren, Lily and Emma Smith, Tommy Bonasera, and twins Henry and Sam Loffing.
Richard’s memorial service will be held Sunday, November 20, 2016 at 2 p.m. in the Urbana United Methodist Church, Urbana, OH where he was a faithful member. A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family at Glen Haven Cemetery, Donnelsville, OH.
In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates donations to the Thomas L. Smith Memorial College Scholarship Fund c/o Urbana United Methodist Church, 238 N. Main St., Urbana, Ohio 43078.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.walterfunerals.com.