Mr. Richard Lee Smith

SMITH, Mr. Richard Lee - age 72, passed away Wednesday, September 17, 2014 at his residence. Family hour 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 26, 2014 at Saints of God Church, 528 W Pierson Rd. with memorial service commencing at 11 a.m. Rev. Alfred L. Harris, Sr. officiating. Family and friends will assemble at the church 10:30 a.m. Friday. There will be no public viewing. Richard Lee Smith was born May 20, 1942 in Priscilla, MS and raised in Greenville, MS. He was the first of six children born to Rev. Walter Lee Smith Jr. and Lee Ethel Smith. After his first wife’s death, Rev. Smith married Gennette McDowell and to this union was born two daughters and one son. Richard was baptized at Kindling Altar Missionary Baptist Church in Greenville, MS by his father. He graduated from Coleman High School in Greenville, MS and attended Mississippi Valley State University. Richard moved to Saginaw, MI with his wife Bobbie Jean Smith and their first born son Troy in 1965. In 1970 Richard began a long and successful career with the Buena Vista Police Department starting as a Patrolman and retiring as Chief of Police. In 1971 Richard and Bobbie were blessed with their second child Tyrone. After his retirement in 2004 Richard moved to Burton, MI and married Catherine Johnson-Smith. Richard loved the Almighty God. He was a Bible Student and Teacher and at one time served as Superintendent of Sunday School at New Fellowship Church of God in Christ of Saginaw, MI. Motorcycling was one of his passions and he was one of the founders of Hustlers M/C. He also delighted in the outdoors, boating, fishing, and golfing. He loved people and had many lifelong friends. Richard loved life and could often be found in his most favored place…surrounded by family and friends. Cherishing his wonderful memories are: 2 sons, Troy Darnell (Rhonda) Smith of Richmond, VA, and Tyrone Donyell Smith of Phoenix, AZ; grandson, Marcellus (Jessica) Smith of San Antonio, TX; great-granddaughter, Olivia Smith; 5 sisters, Bettye (Wilbert) Aikens, Evelyn Smith, E. Renee Smith Hayes, all of California, O. Bonita Smith, Gennette Tameka Smith (Matthew) Kimber, both of Pascagoula, MS; brother, Fudge Cedric Smith of Jackson, MS; 2 aunts, Mrs. Vernice Lenard and Mrs. Gloria Smith Washington, both of Greenville, MS; 3 sisters-in-law, Samuel M. Gray, Ernestine (Jesse) Brown, both of Flint and Toni Robinson Smith of Georgia; brother-in-law, Chester Hardy Jr. of Flint; a host of special cousins and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Also remembering with love, are special friends, Robert Gray, Sandy (Florence) Hall, Leroy Henderson, Robert Mack and play sister, Fannie (Joenathan) Barfield and significant other, Vivian Barnes. From previous marriages Richard created an extended and blended family which includes 5 step-daughters, Ariana A. (Juan) Valenzuela, Belinda Johnson, Danielle, Kim, and Lisa; 2 step-sons, Derrick Johnson and Stacey Johnson; 7 step-grandchildren, Rodolfo Barron IV, Alicia C. and Ana M. Valenzuela, Tiffanie C. Johnson, Christopher and Taylor Ryan, and Vincent Cokley. Richard was preceded in death by his loving wife, Cathy Smith; parents, Rev. Walter Lee and Ethel Smith, Jr; step-mother, Gennette Smith; brothers, Walter J. Smith and Rev. W. James Smith; nephew, Christopher Shawn Brown, The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. R. Peddireddy, Dr. M. Amlani, Helping Hands staff, the Buena Vista Township Police Department, Rev. Alfred L. Harris Sr. and members of Saints of God Church.

Mr. Richard Lee Smith

May 20, 1942 - September 17, 2014