Richard “Rick” D. Smith, 62, of Normal, Illinois died 9:28 p.m. Tuesday, November 26, 2024, in Fulton County.
He was born on December 20, 1961, in La Harpe, Illinois to J.B. and Ruthann (Long) Smith.
Rick is survived by his partner, Kathy Berry of Normal, IL, two daughters, Lydia Smith of Chillicothe, IL and Emelia Smith of Denver, CO, beloved hunting dog, Snow, father, J.B. Smith of Galesburg, IL, two brothers, Timothy (and Lynne) Smith of Castle Rock, CO and William (and Kim) Smith of Temple, TX, a sister, Cynthia Smith of Mathis, TX, two nieces, and four nephews.
After graduating from Galesburg High School in 1980, Rick enlisted and served in the CO Army National Guard 1981-88 as a helicopter missile repair specialist until his honorable discharge as an E-5/SGT. Continuing his education in 1991, Rick enrolled in an ROTC program at the University of Colorado and returned to IL with the US Army Reserves Control Group serving until being honorably discharged as an O-2/1LT in 1995. In 1996, with a desire to continue serving his country, Rick again enlisted in the IL Air National Guard serving in the 182d Logistic Readiness Squadron Vehicle Operations Flight until his honorable discharge as an E-7/MSGT in 2009. Rick attended Western Illinois University graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2003. He served as a Correctional Officer for the Illinois River Correctional Center in Canton and the Henry C. Hill Correctional Facility in Galesburg. Smitty retired after 21 years as a Correctional Lieutenant in 2016. After years of hard work and watching his girls at running and swim meets, Rick enjoyed waterfowl hunting and fishing on the Mississippi River with his dogs. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family.
Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, December 5, 2024, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel. The funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday, December 6, 2024, in the chapel. Rev. MJ Fitch will officiate. Burial will follow at Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens. Memorials in Rick’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital and Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
