Born February 28, 1935 in Beardstown to James Earl and Ada Marie (Suddeth) Smith, he married Melva A. Jackson on July 29, 1958 in Pekin. She died March 8, 2019 in Pekin. He also was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers and eight sisters.
Surviving are one daughter, Nancy (Kelly) Simpson of Green Valley; two sons, Rick (Patsy) Smith of Pekin and Scott (Debra) Smith of Ludington, Michigan; seven grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and one brother, Jim Smith of Pekin.
Richard was a United States Navy veteran of the Vietnam War.
He retired from Caterpillar, Inc. with 30 years of service.
Richard was a lover of cars and active in drag racing for many years with his brothers and nephews. He also enjoyed fishing and camping. He was a former member George Maple Memorial AMVETS Post 169 in Pekin.
His private military burial will be in War Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Pekin. Military rites will be accorded by the United States Navy and the Tazewell Area Ceremonial Team. Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.
To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com
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