Richard Allen Smith, 64, passed away on Monday, December 17, 2018 in Spokane, Washington. He was born on November 15, 1954 in Binghamton, New York, to Raymond and Vilma Smith. In 1972, Richard graduated from Banning High School in Long Beach, California. He married Valerie Van Dine in Long Beach. Together, they had four children – Jennifer, Richard, Kathleen and Michael.
Richard served in the United States Air Force for 18 years. During that time he was stationed at Davis-Monthan AFB in Arizona; Lakenheath AFB in England; Bentwaters AFB in England; Luke AFB in New Mexico; Reese AFB in Texas, and Cannon AFB in New Mexico. After retiring from the Air Force, Richard worked for the Forest Service in the Job Corps. Between his military career and his government work, a total of 40 years of his life were in government service. Since 1996, he and his family had lived in Danville, Washington and Curlew, Washington.
Richard was a member of the National Rifle Association. He enjoyed playing his guitar, making people laugh, playing video games and spending time with his family.
Richard was preceded in death by his mother Vilma and his grandson Jacob. He is survived by his wife Valerie Smith; sons Richard and Michael; daughters Jennifer and Kathleen; his father Raymond; 16 grandchildren; and 1 great-grandchild.
A funeral service will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 27, 2018, at Hennessey Valley Funeral Home, 1315 N. Pines Rd, Spokane Valley. A military graveside service will follow at 11:15 a.m. at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery, 21702 W Espanola Rd, Medical Lake, Washington. Memorial donations may be made in Richard’s name to the Wounded Warrior Project.
You are invited to share memories or leave condolences for Richard's family in the guestbook.