Richard Arthur Smith, of Harrisonburg

Published 9:52 am Wednesday, June 22, 2016

Sept. 26, 1925 — June 20, 2016

Richard Arthur Smith, 90 of Harrisonburg, passed away June 20, 2016, in Harrisonburg.

Mr. Smith was born Sept. 26, 1925, in Niles, Michigan, and was the son of the late Arthur H. and Anna Juhl Smith.

He grew up in Michigan and was a graduate of Niles High School, class of 1943, where he excelled in all sports. He was an avid bowler, winning many trophies and participating in many tournaments. He enjoyed Western shows and movies, sports, and FOX news on TV. Some of his favorite past times were doing crosswords, Suduko puzzles, drawing, doodling, and designing houses. He was a member of Westside Baptist Church and enjoyed participating in church activities and functions when he was able. He served our country in the United States Navy during World War II as an Aviation Machinist. Once out of the service he became a Draftsman and Designer with Kawneer Co. In 1970, he moved his family from Niles to Harrisonburg for the relocation of the company, retiring after nearly 44 years.

On Jan. 24, 1948, he married Joyce (Miller) Smith, who survives. Also surviving are a son, Steven R. Smith of Emporia, Virginia; daughters, Diana K. Clements & husband Peter of Fort Valley, Virginia, Barbara J. Risi of Portsmouth, Virginia; seven grandchildren, Thomas Smith, Peter Clements Jr., Brian Risi, Chad Clements, Anna Smith Davino, Erin Risi Thomas, and Michelle Risi; four great-grandchildren, Hayden Shackleton, Braelynn Clements, Olivia Risi, and Adeline Davino.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Robert T. Smith.

Visitation is open to family and friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 24th at Kyger Funeral Home, Spotswood Trail, Harrisonburg. The Reverend Troy Pearson will conduct the funeral service at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 25, 2016, at Westside Baptist Church in Harrisonburg. Burial will follow at East Lawn Memorial Gardens in Harrisonburg.

Memorial gifts may be made to Westside Baptist Church, 715 Wolfe St., Harrisonburg, VA 22802.

Online condolences may be sent to the Smith family by visiting www.kygers.com.