He was better known as Dick Smith, very much liked and respected in the welding supply and rental business world.
Mr. Smith was born and raised in Keyser, West Virginia. After high school graduation in 1941, he came to Baltimore, Maryland and worked on liberty ships in Fairfield. He joined the United States Navy in March 1943, and proudly served three years aboard the USS Texas as a 2nd Class Petty Officer. The USS Texas was involved in 4 major battles – Normandy, Southern France, the Philippine liberation, Iwo Jima and Okinawa.
After the war, Mr. Smith returned to Baltimore and started to work in the welding supply business. In 1963 established his own company, better known as Arc Welders.
An avid hunter and sportsman, Mr. Smith happily enjoyed his retirement in Kent County, Maryland.
He was a loyal member of the Masonic fraternity, being a past master of King David’s Lodge #68, A.F.&A.M. Also membership in the Scottish Rite, Boumi Temple Shriners, American Welding Society and Camp Chapel United Methodist Church.
Beloved husband of the late Helen Marguerite Smith (nee Keplinger); devoted father of Susan M. Smith and her husband Earl, Thomas H. Smith and his wife Bonnie, and the late Margaret A. Smith; loving grandfather of Elizabeth McDonold, and Jonathan, Megan, Sarah, Daisy, and Jacob Smith; cherished great-grandfather of Riley, Luke, and Layla; dear brother of Isabelle Spencer, and the late Thomas, Ralph, and Harry Smith. Also survived by many loving extended family and friends.
Relatives and friends are invited to gather at the Schimunek Funeral Home, 9705 Belair RD, Nottingham, MD 21236, on Sunday, October 24, 2021, from 3-5 PM and 7-9 PM. Funeral services will be held on Monday, at 10:30 AM, at the funeral home. Interment services will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Richard’s name to the Camp Chapel United Methodist Church, 5000 E. Joppa RD, Perry Hall, MD 21128.
