Richard Smith Obituary

Smith

Richard Marvin Smith

Richard M. "Dick" Smith, 83, died peacefully at home in Arlington, VA on January 13, 2024, after a lengthy battle with Parkinson's Disease. Dick was the son of the late Marjorie and Harry O. Smith of Walkersville, Maryland. Dick was gifted at making people feel comfortable, respected, and understood. Even strangers would feel like friends after a few minutes with him. His ease with, and interest in, others along with his warm smile always left a room more joyful than when he entered it.

At Walkersville High School, Dick was an outstanding athlete lettering in soccer, baseball, and basketball, but baseball was his passion. He played high school, TriCounty and American Legion ball. Dick was a left-handed pitcher and signed a bonus contract with the Philadelphia Phillies on July 2, 1958. After hurting his throwing arm while playing in the Phillies minor league system, surgery on his shoulder was successful, but his full potential never returned. He was released as a player in 1962. He moved on to various positions with the Philly organization including being General Manager of Philly minor league teams in Huron, South Dakota; Bakersfield, California; and Durham, North Carolina. Dick was inducted into the Frederick County Sports Hall of Fame in 1985 and into the Oldtimers Baseball Association of Maryland in 2012.

After baseball, Dick graduated in 1967 from the University of Miami with a BA in history (Cum Laude) and did graduate studies in Politics and Urban Affairs. He graduated in 1973 on the Dean's list with a Juris Doctor degree from the Oklahoma City University School of Law and did graduate studies in Inter-American Law at University of Miami. He served in the U.S. Army Reserve, 1960-1966.

He went on to work for the Securities and Exchange Commission, practice law, and work in real estate. He was a member of the bar associations for the states of Oklahoma and Florida, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Supreme Court.

Dick was an active member of his church and served over the years as an adult department director and a children's department teacher. He served as a deacon for almost 30 years.

Dick is survived by his wife of 41 years, Ann Smith; sons Mike Smith (Ally) and Mark Smith; granddaughters Johanna and Evelyn Smith; nephew Dr. Matthew Smith (Tirza); niece Kelly Parker (John); and many Smith and Jones family cousins. In addition to his parents, Dick was predeceased by his brother, Dr. Ronald E. Smith.

A Celebration of Life service was held for Dick on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Alexandria, 2932 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22310

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be sent to the Parkinson Foundation of the National Capital Area (www.pfnca.org) or First Baptist of Alexandria Foundation, Inc.