Richard Hayhurst Smith, Sr., 67, of Carolina Shores, NC passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 24, 2026, following a time of declining health. He was surrounded by his loving wife, adult children and grandchildren. Richard was born November 19, 1958 in Washington, DC, and was the youngest son born to the late James Bryan and Isabel McClellan Smith, formerly of Little Compton, Rhode Island. In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by a sister-in-law, Nasilina (Nancy) Lagace-Smith.

Surviving are his loving wife of 47 years, Teresa Garrett Smith ; two sons, Richard Smith, Jr., (Melissa), John Bradford Smith, (Diamond) ; a daughter, Christen Marie Paul ; three siblings, Julia Forbes (Tench), James Bradford Smith, Bruce ‘Mac’ Smith (Lynne) ; grandchildren, Drew Boston Smith, Brooklyn Smith, Maverick Allen Smith, Lawson Axl Smith, Donald ‘Donny’ Edward Paul, IV, John Michael Paul, Brayden Alexander Paul, Jaydon Smith and numerous nieces and nephews.

Richard grew up in Leawood, Kansas, Barrington, Illinois, and Houston, Texas. He was a happy, carefree child who loved to camp, hunt, fish, sail and ride horses. After High School he backpacked with his older brother across Europe, spending much of his time between London, England and Heidelberg, Germany visiting family.

Growing up as the youngest of four, Richard was a free-spirited child who always knew how to have fun. He overcame many impediments and obstacles as a result of severe, undiagnosed dyslexia. He lost an eye from a high school football injury, and later in life overcame the challenge of losing a leg. Richard never quit. His perseverance was incredible, an attribute he learned from his father. Despite barely attaining a high school education, Richard achieved the most professionally of his three well-educated siblings. He always gave any task, role, or challenge everything he had.

Richard became a highly skilled and sought after healthcare facilities engineer. He started at the bottom, at the age of 18 working in a hospital laundry, and over the course of his career he became a trouble-shooter turning around failing hospitals. He traveled to all 50 states for a large multinational corporation, correcting issues in hospitals that were in danger of losing their accreditation.

At heart Richard was a true cowboy. He always came across as bigger than life, but he was actually a humble man. People were drawn to him because he was good-natured and friendly. And while he was admired by his friends, family, and workmates, he preferred to be with his family.

The things that mattered most to Richard were his wife, his three children, and his eight grandchildren. His family was his source of happiness, where he found joy, and his abiding happy place. He worked tirelessly to provide for them and to protect them. And while he wore a tough exterior, there was one very special person who captured his heart: his wife, Teresa. His love for her was fierce, unwavering, and his biggest source of pride and happiness. He was totally devoted to her.

No matter what life threw at him, Richard always fought his way through every challenge. He will forever be with us in our hearts until we meet him on the other side with our Dear Lord and Savior. We love you, Dad. Rest in peace.

Memorial services are being planned and will be announced here at a later date.

The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers, donation be made in his name to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, www.stjude.org.

Online condolences are encouraged and may be sent to the family at www.fulwoodfuneralservice.com

Michael J Fulwood Funeral & Cremation Service