Richard Lee Smith

Richard was born in Neptune, New Jersey on July 3rd, 1946 to Jane Williams and Robert Melvin Smith. He later moved to Brownsburg, Indiana with his mother, Jane and stepfather, Lloyd Kirby where he spent most of his childhood and teenage years. He graduated Pittsboro High school in 1963 and enlisted with the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. The military life suited him and he served 23 years, rising to the rank of Master Sargeant. Richard spent time stationed around the United States as well as Guam and England. During his time in the military, he also completed both his Bachelors and Master’s degrees from the University of Maryland.

After retiring from the Air Force, Richard and his family moved to Tampa, Florida briefly before taking a job with Eaton Corporation (back then it was Exide Electronics) in Raleigh as a technical writer. He spent 22 years with the company and worked part time at Best Buy, opening the Pleasant Valley store in 1995.

Upon retiring from Eaton in 2013, Richard moved to Farmington, New Mexico. He had always loved the southwest and often talked about his plans of moving there.

Richard loved anything and everything about computers. He was often found building and repairing them in his free time for friends and family. He had an adventurous palate and enjoyed trying out new restaurants and cuisines. His passion lay in firearms however- an avid collector of handguns, rifles and shotguns, as well as a lifetime member of the NRA. He even took a part time job as a salesman in the firearms department of Big R Stores to occupy his time during his retirement.

Richard is survived by his daughters, Lexi Smith (Piet de Munk) of Raleigh, NC and Stacy Wulfert of Farmington, NM; grandchildren, Kailey and Ty Wulfert; step-granddaughters, Michelle and Danielle de Munk; and several siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews.

By his request, there will not be any services. Donations are appreciated in lieu of flowers- please donate to the charity of your choice in his memory.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Farmington Funeral Home of Farmington, NM.