Richard Smith

Richard K. Smith Jr. age 66 passed away May 4, 2011 at his home in Empire, Michigan. He was born on May 4, 1945 in Columbus, Ohio.

Dick is survived by his wife, Patricia L. (Bair) Smith, son, Darren (Kristin) Smith of Westerville, Ohio, daughter, Rebecca Smith of Atlanta, Georgia, grandchildren, Spencer and Cameron Smith, father, Richard K. Smith Sr. of Columbus, Ohio, brother, Gary (Ann) Smith of Tampa, Florida, sister, Patty Murphy of Columbus, Ohio, mother-in-law, Anita R. Bair of Gahanna, Ohio and many other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Vivian (Carson) Smith and brother, Robert Fletcher and "Good Girl" Bailey.

Dick graduated from Walnut Ridge High School, Columbus, Ohio in 1963 and The Ohio State University in 1967. He served in the United States Army for two years.

He was a partner with KPMG retiring in 1997 after working in Columbus, Ohio, Atlanta, Georgia and Raleigh, North Carolina. Dick served on the Board of Directors of the State Auto Financial Corporation in Columbus, Ohio.

He was a member of the Empire United Methodist Church and the Empire Lions Club. He was also a member of the DOMC, the "Diesel Fitter" Union and a patron of the Arts, primarily the Atlanta and Kalkaska "Ballet." After retirement Dick and Patty moved to their Little Glen Lake home that they loved and generously shared with family and friends. He was the ultimate host - cooking and entertaining guests with his jokes and one-liners.

A Celebration of Dick's life will be held at the Empire United Methodist Church 11:00 am on Saturday, May 7, 2011. The family will greet friends starting at 10:00am. Burial will take place at the Maple Grove Cemetery, Empire, Michigan. Pastor Brenda Gordon officiating. A Memorial Service will be held in Columbus, Ohio at Eastview United Methodist Church, 1045 Ross Rd., on Tuesday, May 10, 2011 at 11:00 am.

Please visit Dick's webpage at www.lifestorynet.com to sign the online guestbook and share a message or memory with his family.

The family wishes to acknowledge the many prayers, visits and support provided by friends and the staff of Hospice of Michigan. In lieu of flowers please offer a random act of kindness, make someone laugh, or contributions may be made to the Hospice of Michigan.

The family chose Life Story Funeral Home, Traverse City to handle the service arrangements.

"Shorts!"