Richard H Smith Sr

Richard H. Smith, Sr., 96, of Salisbury passed away Monday, July 1, 2019 at his home. Born July 9, 1922 in East Liverpool, Ohio. His parents were Arch R. Smith and Stella M. Dorst Smith. His father was born in Staffordshire, England and his mother was born in Meigs County Ohio. He moved to Salisbury in 1951, was the owner of Merritt T.V. & Appliance Co., and owned Mobile T.V. Service Co., in Salisbury. He began a sales career with Duro-Test Corp. in 1966 and retired as Southeastern Sales Manager in 1987.

He met and married the love of his life in 1943, Nettie Jean Merritt, and they were married for 67 years, until her death in Dec. 2010.

Two sons, Richard H. Smith, Jr. and his wife, Anne of Eden, MD, and Robert A. Smith and his wife, Sue of Seaford, DE. He also leaves five grandchildren, Amanda Crown of Princess Anne, MD, Steven Smith and wife, Megan of Yorkville, IL, Rachel Beauchamp and her partner Richard Murray of Princess Anne, MD, Merritt Smith and her partner Bram Van Der Post of Oosterheselen, Netherlands and Sarah Smith and her husband, Jason of Princess Anne, MD, as well as thirteen great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter. He was preceded in death by a son, James in 1947. Besides his wife, Nettie and son, James, he was preceded in death by a sister, Nancy “Betty” Smith, 70. She retired from Salisbury National Bank of Salisbury.

In his younger years, he was active in the Salisbury Optimist Club, in particular, the Optimist Clubs Little Minor League Baseball Program as well as officiating and coaching football at the Salvation Army Red Shield Boys Club for many years. In addition, he was a member of the Barber Shop Chorus Group, The Salisbury Peninsulaires, and was President of that group in 2000. He also was life member of Elks Lodge #817 in Salisbury where he served as a trustee and, also served as Treasurer for several years. In addition, he was also a life member of VFW Post 194 in Salisbury and a past Post Commander of Post 6450 of Chester, WV.

He spent over three years in the U.S. Coast Guard from Dec. 1942 until his honorable discharge in Nov. 1945. He spent 13 months in the South Pacific Theater as a Combat Medical Corpsman. For his service in the Pacific, he was awarded the Action Combat Medal for Meritorious Service, The Presidential Unit Citation, Philippine Liberation Medal, China Service Medal, as well as several other awards.

He and his wife, Nettie were long time members of St. Peters Episcopal Church in Salisbury, both were active for many years. In addition, they were both instrumental in organizing and building St. Albens Church, which was originally a Chapel of St. Peters.

Burial services will be held Friday at 2pm at St. Peters Episcopal Church. Visitation one hour prior. Interment will be in the family plot in Parsons Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Coastal Hospice, PO Box 1733, Salisbury, MD 21802.