Richard F. Smith

On Thursday, April 12, 2012, Richard (Dick) F. Smith, of Bay City, left this world surrounded by family after a brief stay at Brian's House Hospice Center in Bay City. Richard was born March 22, 1933 in Bay City, MI to Leo and Blanche (Cody) Smith. He attended St. Mary's Catholic High School where he was active in many sports and a member of the Alumni Athletic Association. During his high school years he met his first wife Patricia (Donahue) who preceded him in death in 1974. Together they had five children, Karen (Mohamed) Said, of Decatur, TX, Linda (Randy) Weaver, Patti Loree, Timothy (Carol) of Essexville and Gregory (Jill) of South Lyon, MI. In 1978 Richard married Judy (Reed) Redmond and his family grew to include Michelle (James) Caspers, Melissa Seymore, and Molly (Brad) Richards. Richard was a veteran of the United States Air Force, and served in the Korean War. He attended both Bay City Community College and Central Michigan University and worked at Dow Corning Corporation for many years, retiring as a Field Application Specialist in 1987. He was an avid golfer, past boater and member of the Knuckle Knockers and enjoyed keeping in touch with his high school friends at their monthly lunches. In addition to his wife Patricia, Richard was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters, Frank, Norma, Robert, Donald, Maureen, and Geraldine. He leaves behind many grandchildren, Westley (Cassandra) and Patrick Mitchell, Heather (Brian) Marinik, Megan (Michael) Hayes, Amanda, Mallory, Aubrie, Rachael and Logan Smith and numerous step-grandchildren, Matthew and Erin Caspers, Jeffrey and Eric Seymore and Josie and Jacob Richards. Richard also leaves behind many great grandchildren, special brothers and sisters-in-laws, many nieces and nephews. The funeral service will take place at 11:00am on Monday April 16, 2012 at the Gephart Funeral Home. Officiating will be Sr. Mary Epple, R.S.M. followed by Military Honors conducted by the U.S. Air Force and the Bay County Veterans Council. Private inurnment will be in St. Patrick Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Sunday from 2:00 to 9:00pm and on Monday from 10:00am until time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Brian's House.