Richard Smith

In Loving Memory of Richard Lee Smith, Sr.

A Life Well Lived

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Richard Lee Smith, Sr. — known to most as Pastor Richard or Brother Richard, and to the ones who loved him best as Dad (Daddy), Grandpa, Grampy, and Gramps. On the morning of May 12, 2026, at the age of 89, Richard finished the race he had run with such faithfulness and was welcomed home into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. After more than a year apart, he is once again holding the hand of his beloved wife, Sue.

Richard was born on October 30, 1936, in Pleasant View, Illinois, the son of Ernest L. Smith and Nora Edna (Blue) Smith. From those small-town roots, he built a life marked by service to country, service to the Church, and devotion to his family — the three callings he carried until the day he met his Savior.

On October 20, 1954, Richard enlisted in the United States Navy, beginning a 20-year career that took him from Hobbs, NM, to San Diego, CA, and across the Pacific during the Vietnam War. He retired honorably on December 2, 1974, as an E-8, AKCS (Senior Chief Aviation Storekeeper). His service earned him a long list of commendations, including the Good Conduct Medal with five bronze stars, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Presidential Unit Citation, and the Meritorious Unit Commendation (2). He wore the uniform with quiet pride for the rest of his life — and on Veterans Day, his Dress Blues and his wife's smile could light up an entire room.

During his time in the Navy, Richard answered a second call- to the pulpit. Ordained to preach the Gospel in 1972, he earned his Bachelor of Science from California Baptist University in 1978 and went on to dedicate more than four decades to pastoral ministry. He served as the full-time pastor of Highland Baptist Church in Roswell, NM, three different times — 1981 to 1987, 1994 to 1998, and 2005 to 2011 — and as interim pastor of many other congregations across Southeastern New Mexico and West Texas. He also served as Chaplain for Roswell Hospice and as a Volunteer Chaplain for ENMMC and Lovelace Hospital, walking countless individuals and families through the most tender moments of their lives. He was active in the Roswell Kiwanis Club and Rotary, and the Southern Baptist Association — pouring himself into every community he was part of.

Richard married the love of his life, Suzanne Elizabeth ("Sue") Smith, in 1955. Together they built a loving home and raised three children: Richard ("Rickie") Smith, Jr., Michael Smith, and Vickie Provost. For nearly 70 years, Sue stood beside him — a homemaker while he served in the Navy, a partner in ministry as he pastored, and a partner in life and in their love for the Lord. He often said she was the best decision he ever made.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Suzanne Smith; his son, Richard ("Rickie") Smith, Jr.; and Stephen ("Steve") Tomaszewski, beloved husband of his granddaughter Nichole.

Richard is survived by his son Michael Smith and his wife, Wendy; his daughter, Vickie Provost; and his grandchildren Nichole Chambers-Tomaszewski, Shylo Smith, Joshua Smith and his wife, Karen, and Jake Smith. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Alyssa, Nicholas, Ryan, Jayden, Jocelyn, Jasmin, Zaynen, Otto, Raynyn, Maxine, Michael, and his great-great-grandson, Jaxson Griffin — who knew him simply as the great-great-grandpa with the kindest eyes in the room.

To know Richard was to be loved by him. He was the kind of man whose presence steadied a room — calm, gentle, and unfailingly kind. He had a quiet sense of humor that snuck up on you, a deep well of wisdom drawn from Scripture and a lifetime of listening, and a habit of treating every person he met — staff, stranger, or family — with the same dignity. His grandchildren remember his jokes, his laughter, his play, and his unwavering love. Richard and Sue had many “bonus” children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and grand doggies whom they welcomed into their family and treated like family.

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me… Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

— Psalm 23

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

His legacy of faith, service, and unconditional love will continue to inspire all of us who were blessed to know him.

We ask that you remember him not for how his life ended but for how it was lived — and for the profound impact he had on every life he touched.

Funeral Services

Family and friends are invited to gather for a visitation at LaGrone Funeral Chapel on Sunday, May 17, 2026, from 1:00 to 5:00 PM. A ceremony celebrating Richard's life will take place the following day, Monday, May 18, 2026, at Highland Baptist Church in Roswell, NM. Fellowship and lunch will begin at 12:30 PM, with the funeral service commencing at 2:00 PM. Richard will be laid to rest beside his beloved Sue at South Park Cemetery, where graveside military honors will be performed. Services are under the care of LaGrone Funeral Chapel of Roswell.

Pallbearers: Michael Smith, Joshua Smith, Nicholas Terry, Ryan Terry, Connor Duncan, Andy La Reau, and Wesley Montgomery.

Honorary Pallbearer: Raymond Gage

In keeping with the family's wishes, those attending are warmly invited to wear blue in honor of Richard.

In lieu of flowers you can donate to the CARC Inc of Carlsbad - https://carcinc.org