Richard Smith Death, Obituary – On January 1, 2023, when he was a patient at Forsyth Medical Center, Mr. Richard Wayne Smith, 84, of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, entered into eternal life. He was the son of Violet Holley Smith, who was born on September 8, 1938 in Huntington, West Virginia, and the late Raymond Holley Smith. Richard had a strong love for the Lord and devoted his life to winning people to him. He spent the rest of his life mentoring children, teaching Sunday School classes, and acting as a deacon and Sunday School superintendent at various churches.
Richard attended Liberty University and earned his degree in Bible while driving a bread delivery truck. He continued selling furniture for numerous businesses after that, working until he retired. He continued to serve the Lord at the Vernon Forest Baptist Church, where he was a member. In all of his roles, including those of spouse, father, grandparent, great-grandfather, and friend, Richard was renowned for his loving and selfless dedication. Not only did his parents and four of his siblings die before him.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Judith H. Smith, two sons, Jeffrey Smith and Gregory Smith, both of Richmond, Virginia; a daughter, Rebecca Hurst (Glenn), of Walkertown; four grandchildren, Hannah Wilson (Cody), Holley Zelyez (Michael V), Grace Smith, and Jordan Smith; four great-grandchildren, Cory, Jude, Lennon, and Michael VI; as well as a number of nieces and nephews. Pastor Jim Brown will preside over the funeral services on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the J.C.
Green and Sons Wallburg Chapel. The interment will take place at Rural Hall’s Crestview Memorial Park following the service. The family will hold a visitation on Saturday beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home situated at 10301 North North Carolina Highway 109 in Winston-Salem. You’re welcome to bring friends. Donations can be made to the Vernon Forest Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27107, at 274 Mt. Vernon Church Road in honor of the dead.
