Richard Smith

Captain Richard Smith, US Air Force (Retired), passed away peacefully at his home in Pensacola, Florida, on June 1, 2026, at the age of 78. A dedicated patriot, charismatic entrepreneur, and family man, Rich leaves behind a legacy defined by service, optimism, devotion to his passions, adventure, family and faith.

Born on April 1, 1948, in Jacksonville, Florida, Rich was the son of the late Corbett Clinton Smith Sr. and Norma Smith (Waitts). His life was shaped by a profound commitment to his country and his faith. Over a distinguished career in the United States Air Force, his orders took him across the globe. He served honorably with stations including Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines, Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas, the Vietnam War, Vandenburg AFB in Lompoc, California, Officer Training School in Lakeland AFB, Kadena AFB in Okinawa, Japan, Hurlburt Field/Eglin AFB in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, and Holloman AFB in Alamogordo, New Mexico. His global experiences instilled in him a deep appreciation for diversity, a worldwide perspective, and a fierce gratitude for the freedoms enjoyed as Americans.

While stationed at Clark AFB, Rich met (on a blind date), fell in love and married Erlinda (Lynda) Manalastas Rulloda. They were married in Angeles City, Philippines, on December 21, 1967, and shared a robust life together until her passing in 2008. Together, they built a vibrant home full of community and celebration. While Lynda beautifully orchestrated their social calendar and parties, Rich was in his element—holding court, entertaining the fellow husbands and single male friends, playing card games masterfully, giving a then-new definition to "dad jokes," and bringing laughter to every room. Rich and Lynda loved to disco dance together, and Rich was known among their friends as quite the swing-dancer.

Both during and after his military career, Rich found a second calling as an Amway independent business owner. A natural leader, public speaker and ultimate positive thinking mindset, he used his Amway business as a platform to inspire others, encouraging countless individuals to pursue their best lives, rooted in community, friendship, and faith. He never met a stranger, frequently striking up random, genuine conversations with anyone he crossed paths with, leaving people brighter than he found them.

As a father, Rich was strict, anchoring his children with a strong foundational base, a firm sense of discipline, and an enduring moral compass—lessons for which his family is profoundly grateful. In his quieter moments, he was an avid movie buff who could almost always be found enjoying classic Westerns or laughing along to reruns of M*A*S*H. Later in his life, Rich prioritized and was defined by his missionary work in Kenya and correction facilities.

In addition to his parents and his beloved wife, Lynda, Rich was preceded in death by his older brother Corbett Smith Jr., and older sister, Kitty Trexler (Smith).

Rich’s warmth, laugh, and disciplined yet joyful spirit live on through his family. He is survived by his younger sister Nancy Smith, three children: his eldest daughter, Sherry Lyn Byram and husband Tray; his middle son, Richard Anthony (Tony) Smith and husband Jim Peterson; and his youngest son, Daniel Justin Smith and wife Maybritt.

He is also survived by his nephews, Clinton Trexler, and Michael Trexler and wife Melanie; and his great-nephews, Vincent, Steven, Gavin, Zachary, and Joshua Trexler, his grandchildren: Kenneth, Matthew and wife Maggie, Ashley and husband Andrew, Natalie and Tristan; his five great-grandchildren: Anderson, Adaline, Amelia, Maverick, and Lane.

Rich is now reunited with loved ones and celebrating their ever-growing and fortunate families.

While the family is planning a reunion celebration to honor Rich, they request that donations be made to a charitable cause of choice in lieu of flowers to honor Rich’s spirit.