Richard Russell Smith

Richard R. Smith of Coral Springs passed away September 10, one month shy of his 92nd birthday. Born in Montour Falls, N.Y., Richard came to Miami in 1972 when his employer, Sperry Rand Corp., offered the opportunity to work on implementing their urban traffic control system for the city. Though expected to be just a few years, the position extended to more than a decade. In that time he developed great appreciation for South Florida living and never left.

Richard is survived by Carol Lowe Smith (nee St. Clair), his second wife but first love; they met in Batavia, N.Y., in 1944 when in the eighth grade, desks near each other in most classes thanks to alphabetical seating. Carol eventually married one of their mutual high school friends, with Richard serving as best man in the wedding, foreshadowing not recognized until years later. Richard and Carol re-connected at their 35th Batavia High School reunion and the rest was history.

He attended Cornell University Agriculture School and Rochester Institute of Technology, where he studied electrical engineering. After graduating in 1960 he interned at Taylor Instrument Companies, then worked at General Railway Signal and the City of Rochester Engineering Department. Richard earned his Professional Engineering license in 1970.

After leaving Sperry Rand, he eventually became Assistant Traffic Engineer for Broward County. Richard retired in 1997 and volunteered with the Coral Springs Police Department Traffic Unit; the League of Women Voters; and AARP, where he taught defensive driving courses. Richard and Carol are members of First Church Coral Springs.

In addition to his wife, Carol, Richard is survived by his son, Lane Smith; brother, Larry Smith; nieces Penelope (Gerald) Giguere and Michele (Alan) Michaels; nephews Douglas Smith and David (Sandra) Holloway; stepsons John (Diane) Lowe, Thomas (Caron) Lowe, and James (Susan) Lowe; grandchildren Jessica Lowe, Breanne (Nolan) Lowe Driscoll, Matthew Lowe, Brandon (Madison) Lowe, and Owen Holsonbake Lowe; and great grandchildren Emmett Lowe and Bella Lowe.

A celebration of Richard’s life will be held on Sunday, October 12, 2025 at 1:00 PM in the sanctuary at First Church Coral Springs, immediately followed by a reception in the church’s Faith Building.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the League of Women Voters of Broward County in Richard's memory.