Richard Edward Smith

Richard Edward Smith, 82 of White Oak, passed away on January 29, 2026. Richard was born on December 14, 1943, in Bridgeport, CT to the late Alexander and Lillian Smith. After serving in the Marines, he married Laurie Roberta Robeson and together they made their home in White Oak, NC. He graduated from Pembroke University and worked in finance until he retired from his role as financial controller at Bladen County Hospital. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards and golfing, but his true joy was spending time with his grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by parents, Alexander and Lillian, and two sisters, Beverly Wright and Kathy Hanscome.

He is survived by his wife, Laurie Smith; daughters, Kelly Jarrett (James) and Rachel Howard (Kevin); grandchildren, Leela Jarrett, Aiden Howard, Kayla Howard; and sister Gail Cox (Wayne).

Services will be held at Beth Car Church in Tar Heel, NC on Sunday, February 15, 2026 at 3:00 PM.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions can be donated to Beth Car Church in Tar Heel, Gentiva Hospice, Saving Grace Animal Rescue in Raleigh, or Trout Unlimited.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy can be shared below within “Add a Memory” for the Smith family.