Rick was a precision machinist and enjoyed using his skills to create "one of a kind" items. He could work with any material, steel, wood or even plastics.
Born in Ft. Payne, Alabama, Rick lived most of his life in Chattanooga, TN, but was privileged to move to Trenton, GA for a peaceful retirement enjoying nature at its best.
He was preceded in death by his son, Christopher Kelly Smith, parents Alvin and Velda (O'Rear) Smith, sister Delores Chambers, and grandparents Kelly and Thelma O'Rear, and Eli and Anna Mae Smith.
He is survived to cherish his memory, by his wife, Debra Smith, sisters, Beth (Jeff) Prine and Marie (Mickey) Schrudder, brother, Otis Smith, and uncle John (Charlyne) O'Rear, many cousins and friends.
Honorary Pallbearers are Gary Meshoe, Chuck O'Rear, Sam O'Rear, Tommy Carson, Stephen King, and Jeff Prine.
A Celebration of Rick’s Life will be held in the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home on Saturday March 12, 2022 at 1:00 pm. The family will receive friends prior to the service on Saturday beginning at 11:00 am. He will be laid to rest with his son in the Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Bankhead Cemetery Association, Mentone, AL., or to the American Cancer Society.
Arrangements are under the care of Chattanooga Funeral Home North Chapel, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com for the Smith family.
