Richard Louis Smith

October 11, 1934 - May 12, 2020

Richard Louis Smith, 85, a resident of Cape Coral, FL for the past 15 years, passed away Tuesday, May 12, 2020 in Cape Coral. He was born October 11, 1934 in Wyandotte, MI to Walter and Verna Smith, now deceased.  Also preceded in death by his brother,
Ronald Smith, and sister, Patricia Denson. 

Richard is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years. Irene “Susie” Smith of Cape Coral; two loving children, Scott Smith (Rosemarie) of Fort Myers, and Mark Smith (Trisha) of  Battle Creek, MI; six grandchildren, Serena Smith,  Daniel Smith, Gregory Smith, Melanie Smith, Rebecca Smith, and Kaden Smith; as well as one great grandchild, Kylee Smith.

After graduating from Wyandotte High School in January1953 he joined the U. S. Navy and spent four years with the Sixth Fleet. He was trained as a boiler operator, and after his discharge became a Stationary Engineer at Scott Paper Company, in Delray, Michigan.

In 1962 he and Irene “Susie” were married. He retired from Ford Motor Company after 30 years as a Stationary Engineer.

The Smiths resided on Grosse Isle, MI for 41 years where Richard built two homes: one on Southpointe Drive and lastly on Meridian Road.  His favorite sports were golfing, boating, traveling and fishing. He was not skilled in the latter. During a fishing tournament in the Florida Keys everyone caught several fish; his only catch was one 3-4 inch fish, which they used for bait.

In 2006 Richard and “Susie” renewed their wedding vows during a 28-day Amazonian Cruise.

As a Korean War Veteran a military tribute and Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at First Assembly of God, Fort Myers, FL and a second service in the Downriver area of Wayne County, MI. Details to be announced via www.MullinsMemorial.com

Memorial Contributions in memory of Richard Louis Smith are suggested to The Cape Coral Military Museum, 4820 Leonard St., Cape Coral, FL 33904 or to The Wounded Warrior Project, PO BOX 758517 Topeka, KS 66675.

Friends are invited to send condolences via the on-line guest book which can be found at www.MullinsMemorial.com.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.

Guestbook

  1. Irene Smith May 19, 2020 at 5:18 pm

    Siblings: Ronald, Patty and Richard

  2. Irene Smith May 20, 2020 at 11:24 am

    Richard’s childhood home

  3. Irene Smith May 20, 2020 at 11:27 am

    “Fonzy” Smith

  4. Irene Smith May 20, 2020 at 11:28 am

    High School Graduate

  5. Irene Smith May 20, 2020 at 11:28 am

    U S Navy Recruit

  6. Irene Smith May 20, 2020 at 11:31 am

    Aboard USS Champlain

  7. Irene Smith May 20, 2020 at 11:32 am

    Boarding for next cruise

  8. Irene Smith May 20, 2020 at 11:32 am

    A bar in Cuba

  9. Irene Smith May 20, 2020 at 11:33 am

    In Jerusalem

  10. Irene Smith May 20, 2020 at 11:39 am

    Susie and Richard dating – 1961

  11. Irene Smith May 20, 2020 at 11:40 am

    Mark and Daddy

  12. Irene Smith May 20, 2020 at 11:41 am

    Dallas Home Interiors Convention

  13. Irene Smith May 20, 2020 at 11:42 am

    Grosse Ile home on Meridian Drive

  14. Irene Smith May 20, 2020 at 11:43 am

    Fishing (sort of) in Florida

  15. Irene Smith May 20, 2020 at 11:44 am

    Serena & Grandpa

  16. Irene Smith May 20, 2020 at 11:44 am

    Losing the Tournament in Marathon

  17. Irene Smith May 20, 2020 at 11:45 am

    Plowing the plantation

  18. Irene Smith May 20, 2020 at 11:51 am

    Family gathering on Southpointe Drive

  19. Irene Smith May 20, 2020 at 11:52 am

    Landscaping on Meridian

  20. Irene Smith May 20, 2020 at 11:55 am

    Richard & Susie on Amazonian Cruise

  21. Irene Smith May 20, 2020 at 3:55 pm

    Our last family Christmas.

  22. Irene Smith May 20, 2020 at 3:55 pm

    Our last family Christmas.

  23. Pat Labadie May 20, 2020 at 8:25 pm

    So sorry to hear of Uncle Rich’s passing. He was very talented, a good brother to my dad. I love that picture of the three “kids”, have never seen that one before. Our deepest condolences to you, Aunt Susie, and to Scott and Mark and your families. Love and prayers, Patty, Bob and family

  24. Fran May 20, 2020 at 9:15 pm

    So sorry for your loss. Prayers and hugs for you and your family. Love You 💕

  25. Jan Shoemaker May 21, 2020 at 10:52 am

    So very sorry to learn of Uncle Rich’s passing! My mom’s brothers were both so special to me! Uncle Rich was so very handsome…movie star material. He was so very talented in many ways. He also took me in many adventures that will always remain special to me. I so enjoyed the photos that were posted. Handsome to the end.♥️ Much love and prayers to you all.

  26. Susie Smith May 21, 2020 at 3:06 pm

    Patti: I will copy that photo and bring it when we come to Michigan.

    Fran: Thank you. I believe you left me a phone message which I will return.

    Jan: So sweet of you to respond so quickly. I had no way of reaching any of you otherwise.

  27. Christine B Cosnowski May 22, 2020 at 9:08 am

    So sorry for your loss Susie. You were such a great wife to Richard and provided wonderful care. Prayers and blessings to you and your family. You are loved..

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