Richard Theodore Smith

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the loss of Richard Theodore Smith on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at the age of 79. He passed away at home, surrounded by his loving family, after a brief but aggressive battle with liver cancer.

Born in Atlanta on October 28, 1946, to Emory Theodore Smith and Mary Frances Stinson Smith, Richard lived a remarkable life. He attended Avondale High School, earned a B.B.A. in Finance from Georgia State University, and received his J.D. from Emory University School of Law. Admitted to the bar in 1970, he practiced law for 52 years. He began his career with Hansell, Post, Brandon and Dorsey, where he became a partner in 1978. In 1981, he founded Smith Cavin & Corbin and built a distinguished legacy in real estate law.

Richard took great pride in his profession. A founding member of the Georgia Real Estate Closing Attorneys Association and former President of the Real Estate Section of the Atlanta Bar Association, he was widely respected for his integrity, sound judgment, and constant willingness to share his extensive knowledge and experience with others. Richard served with distinction as Lead Independent Director on the Board of First Century Bank for more than 20 years, capping nearly 35 years of dedicated advisory leadership in the banking industry.

Strong and steadfast, Richard was fiercely devoted to those he loved, and was always a phone call away. His wisdom, generosity, and love will continue to shape his family for generations. He extended that same spirit of service beyond his family and career. A dedicated pilot, Richard volunteered with Angel Flight, donating his time and airplane for transplant patients. For Richard, helping others was never something that required recognition; it was simply part of who he was.

Richard was deeply involved in the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, serving as Bailli of the Peachtree-Atlanta Bailliage and later as Bailli Provincial Honoraire and a national officer. Through the Chaîne and other wine organizations, he combined his love of fine wine, food, and travel, forming lasting friendships with people around the world.

He remained closely connected to his Avondale High School classmates, regularly hosting reunions, fishing trips, birthday celebrations, and holiday gatherings. Richard and his wife Sherri loved opening their home to family and lifelong friends, creating a warm place filled with shared stories and lasting memories.

Fearless and endlessly curious, Richard embraced life with a strong sense of adventure. Aviation was his greatest joy, but he also loved scuba diving, fishing, sailing, hunting, skiing, racing cars, and traveling. He believed life was meant to be lived and experienced fully, with his loving wife and their Golden retrievers by his side.

Above all, Richard was a devoted family man and the ultimate patriarch—a steady source of strength, guidance, and support. He was a loyal friend, a trusted colleague, and a mentor to many. His legacy endures in the family he loved so deeply. He will be greatly missed, fondly remembered, and forever loved.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Sherri Nash Smith; his son, Richard “Ted” Smith Jr. and his wife Kristen; his sister, Linda Cook and her husband Gary; his sons-in-law Michael Rettig and James Cavin; his grandchildren Savannah (29), Alex (27), Christopher (27), David (26), Sherri (26), Douglas (21), Emory (19), Robert (15), Grace (8), and Maddie Joy (5); and his loyal dog, Malibu.

Richard was predeceased by his two daughters, his pride and joys, Lori Smith Rettig (August 1, 2022), and Kristine Smith Cavin (March 28, 2025), as well as his dog Piper, four days before his own passing. His family finds comfort in the thought that they are together again.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Georgia Transplant Foundation (gatransplant.org).

The family of Richard Smith is deeply grateful for the overwhelming outpouring of love, support, and kindness they have received during this difficult time.

Richard's Celebration of Life Service will be a private, invitation-only gathering. Because of the limited capacity of the venue, the family is unfortunately unable to accommodate everyone who wishes to attend.

Thank you for your understanding, your continued support, and for keeping the Smith family in your thoughts and prayers. They are deeply grateful to know that so many will be honoring Richard's memory and celebrating his life in spirit.