Richard Henry Lee Smith, Jr.

Obituary

Our sweet brother, Richard Henry Lee Smith, Jr. (“Rick”), passed away Friday, June 16 at Beacon Place of Greensboro.

Rick was born November 8, 1957, to Richard “Henry” Lee Smith, Sr., and Marsha Kay Dixon Smith. He was a lifelong resident of Greensboro, attending Greensboro Day School and Grimsley High School.

He is survived by his twin brother Rob Smith; brother Kevin Smith and his wife Jennifer; sister Traci Smith Carter; niece Sarah Smith; and nephews Griffin and Matthew Carter. He also leaves behind his beloved Beverly Varner, whom his family believes is a true angel on earth.

Rick was a huge fan of Elvis, Joe Namath, and the New York Jets. He also loved Andy Griffith, Friends, and John Wayne, and his ability to quote television show and movie lines was unmatched. Earlier in his life, Rick enjoyed playing softball for the Glenwood Gladiators church team; learning jiu jitsu; and keeping his family on their toes with a rotating assortment of pet snakes that occasionally and unnervingly escaped their cages.

For the majority of his career, Rick worked as a delivery driver for his father at Coliseum Drug Store and Home Drug Store, later moving to Chic’s Appliance and Steele & Vaughn as a delivery and installation technician.

While we’re thankful that Rick is now at peace, residing in eternity with our beloved mom and dad, we’ll miss his gentle spirit, kindness, and sense of humor. We’ll also miss taking him for chocolate milkshakes or watching him sneak a pack of Twix when he thought no one was looking.

Days after Rick’s passing, a simple handwritten will was discovered. His final wishes included a desire to have no memorial service, visitation, or flowers. Instead, he left this final expression of his wishes for everyone: “Pay for a law enforcement officer’s meal at a restaurant, or other first responder or war veteran. Try to remember me for my generosity and compassion.”

We certainly will, sweet brother.

– Traci, Kevin & Rob
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Swing Down, Sweet Chariot | Elvis Presley

Why don’t you swing down, sweet chariot?
Stop and let me ride
Swing down chariot
Stop and let me ride
Rock me Lord, rock me Lord
Calm and easy
Well, I’ve got a home on the other side