Richard B. Smith

Richard Benjamin Smith was a man of strength. He lived a life full of high and lows, yet he continually pushed himself to see what was around the next corner. His perseverance and survival instinct was an inspiration to those around him. Richard was born in the Smith family home on July 24, 1922. His parents, James A. and Onice (Creason) Smith, knew their family was complete with his arrival. At home, in Muskegon, Michigan, Richard's siblings, Robert, Arthur, Mildred and Cora welcomed him to the family. He was loved and doted on by everyone around him. He must have always appeared to be younger than he was because the boy never wore long pants until age 12. During his school age years, Richard attended Moon Elementary School. His father, James, worked for the Muskegon County Road Commission. Even with all the time he put into developing roads, James never did own a car. Onice, stayed busy at home tending to the house and the five children. Richard was only seven years old when the Great Depression caused huge financial loss for most all Americans. He was very young when he would ride along with his big brother to run moonshine. Still a boy, Richard found his first job, working as a pin setter for a local bowling alley. He knew times were tough and he was proud to dig in and do his part for the family. By tenth grade, Richard left school and found full-time employment with Brunswick Corporation, in none other than, their bowling pin department! He was a funny boy, and being that his relatives came from Kentucky and Tennessee, he loved to call himself a "Blue Belly Yankee." The "Blue Belly Yankee" left Brunswick Corp. for a position with Continental Motors. He spent his weekends, as a young man, enjoying night life at Club Cheerio. One night, he met Hazel Parker. It was July of 1942 and Richard relentlessly offered Hazel a ride home until his boyish charm won her over. Friends were skeptical of their relationship lasting, but they showed them, when six months later they tied the knot. Richard and Hazel were wed on Christmas Day, in 1942. As happy newlyweds, the couple moved in with Richard's parents and began imagining their lives together. Four months later, Richard came home to find a draft notice. He was sent to basic training in Fort Gordon, Georgia. Leaving his pregnant wife, to fight in World War II, was a sad and scarey situation. Things got even worse when, shortly after basic training, his mother passed away. Richard Jr, was born on August 6, 1943. He was a "Blue Baby," born with a hole in his heart. The few months he lived were spent in the hospital. Richard was able to return from the service to meet his son two days after the birth. Richard then had to gather the strength to return to the Army where he bravely served, first, in the 3rd Army, 2nd Calvary Group. They were known as General George Patton's Ghost Troops and Richard was a driver and gunner. He and his troops made history in 1945. Vienna was under attack and Colonel Podiahsky, head of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, was concerned that his priceless Lipizanner Stallions would be harmed. The starving refugees wanted anything they could get their hands on and since General Patton knew Colonel Podiahsky, he sent in his troops to quarter the horses. Richard loved protecting the horses and he tenderly cared for his beautiful Palomino. Richard had flat feet and, after having difficulty completing some long marches, he was transferred to the 3rd Cavalry (mechanized) and 43rd Recon Squadron, F Troop. The soldiers he served with were like brothers to him, and he regularly attended reunions in the U.S. and Europe. He also got involved with the VFW on the local level, working at fish fries and other post events. After being discharged from the Army and safely returning home to his wife, Richard didn't talk a lot about his time away. While Richard was overseas, Hazel had been working for Continental Motors and when he returned home, he joined her there. In 1946, the couple joyfully welcomed their son, Larry into their family. Roger was born to them in 1948, followed by Linda in 1953. With three kids to raise, Hazel quit work to care for the family. When Linda, their youngest, was nine years old, Hazel decided to return to Continental Motors. Richard put in 42 faithful years of service at the company. During the early years, the family moved a lot, until Richard helped build a home on Goody Road in Norton Shores. where Hazel and Richard lived out the rest of their life together. Richard taught the boys about sports and even coached a Little League team. Richard, who had loved bowling since he was a kid, gave it up to teach his family how to hunt and fish. For a while he rented a farm in Baldwin for them to deer hunt together. They also enjoyed picking mushrooms and appreciating the beauty of the Great Outdoors. Hazel really loved nature and in 1972, Richard bought them a cabin near Diamond Lake, east of Hesperia. They looked forward to the summers when they would move into the cabin, and to deer hunting season, when the cabin was also used. In 1988, Richard suffered from an aneurism, but after surgery, he recuperated well. Later, he required a heart bypass and valve replacement. His inner strength continually kept him alive and fighting. He kept a positive attitude and after recovering, he was even able to golf again. He took lots of time to bond with his grandchildren and loved the time he spent attending their school and sporting events. He especially loved taking them out to fish. Grandpa was known for shaking his head and saying "I don't know." Everyone knew how much he loved them. Everyone also knew, the greatest day in Richard's life. He was 78 years old, in Florida, when he and his pal, Marvin Query had the opportunity to golf with 1953 US Open Champ, Tommy Bolt. An extra bonus to that day was that Marvin shot a hole in one. Richard was proud of his family and grateful for the quality of time they spent together over the years. He was a member of Calvin Christian Reformed Church. Richard's life was an inspiration to those that knew him and he will be dearly missed. Richard B. Smith, age 83, died Tuesday, June 6, 2006. His family includes his wife, Hazel; 2 sons, Larry Smith of Muskegon, Roger (SueAnne) Smith of Florida; 1 daughter, Linda Counselor of Muskegon; 4 grandchildren, Michelle Smith, Shala Beck, Christopher Smith, James Counselor; 3 great-grandchildren, Kiah, Faith & Dakota. He was preceded in death by his son Richard in 1943, 1 great-granddaughter Summer, 4 brothers & 2 sisters. Memorial service will be held on Thursday, June 15, 2006, 2:00 p.m. at Mona Lake Boat Club with Rev. Sarah Samuelson officiating.