Richard Smith, Jr.

Services are scheduled for 11:00 am, Saturday, September 2, 2017 at Highland Baptist Church for Richard Lee Smith, Jr., age 61, who went to be with his Lord and Savior, Friday, August 25, 2017. Pastor Jack Ferguson of Tinnie Baptist Church will be officiating. Rick will lie in state 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, Thursday, August 31, 2017 and 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, Friday, September 1, 2017 at LaGrone Funeral Chapel. Graveside services will be 11:00 am, Tuesday, September 5, 2017 at South Park Cemetery in Roswell, New Mexico.

Richard Lee Smith Jr. known by all as Rick was born July 25, 1956 in Millington, Tennessee to Pastor Richard and Suzanne Smith. Rick is survived by his parents Richard and Suzanne Smith; his brother Michael Smith and wife Wendy of Reno, Nevada; his sister Vickie Provost of Roswell, New Mexico. Rick is also survived by his Nieces Nichole Chambers and her fiance Steve Tomaszewski and Shylo Smith; nephews, Josh Smith and wife Karen; Jacob Smith and wife Miah. He is also survived by many great nieces and nephews; Nicholas and Ryan Terry, Jayden, Zaynen, and Raynyn Smith; Jasmine and Otto Smith; Kyra, Faith, and Maxine Smith and one more expected to arrive in November.

Rick lived at the Carlsbad Association for Retarded Citizens (C.A.R.C.) farm in Carlsbad, New Mexico for 30 years while also spending time with his family in Roswell, New Mexico. Rick was loved by all who met and knew him, his smile was contagious and his spirit was like no other. Those that knew Rick will always remember that beautiful smile. Rick loved to travel with his parents and meet new people. Rick loved his family dearly and often bragged about his nieces and nephews. Rick has been the recipient of many Special Olympic medals for Poly Hockey, Cycling, Bowling, Bocce and Softball. Rick has worked many jobs such as; working at the dining hall at the C.A.R.C farm, custodial work at the Living Desert State Park in Carlsbad, and was a grounds keeper at the Carlsbad Hospital. Rick attended Ranch Acres Baptist Church where he was an usher and member of the choir, and most recently has been a member of Otis Baptist Church.

Many family and friends have had such wonderful thing to say about our Rick such as, "Some people have such an amazing spirit and impact on our lives that it feels like a shift happens in the universe once they have left it." Thank you, Lindsey Jones.

Please come celebrate Rick's life with us at Highland Baptist Church at 11:00 am, Saturday, September 2, 2017.

In lieu of flowers the family asks if you will please make donations to CARC, Inc. in honor of Rick.
CARC, Inc.
P.O. Drawer 1808
Carlsbad, NM 88221-1808

Visitation

In State

LaGrone Funeral Chapel
900 South Main
Roswell, NM  88203
Thursday, August 31, 2017
9 AM to 7 PM

In State

LaGrone Funeral Chapel
900 South Main
Roswell, NM  88203
Friday, September 1, 2017
9 AM to 7 PM

Service

Funeral

Highland Baptist Church
2001 S. Lea Ave.
Roswell, NM  88203
Saturday, September 2, 2017
11 AM

Cemetery

South Park Cemetery
3101 S. Main
Roswell, NM  88203