Richard (Dick, Smitty) L. Smith, Belvidere, IL

Richard L. Smith, 76 died at home on August 29, 2018 in the arms of his loving wife.  Born August 17, 1942 in Virginia to Fred and Maude (Grubbs) Smith.  He moved to Belvidere at the age of three and attended Belivdere schools.  RIchard was a very talented athlete, graduating in 1960.  Following high school he served our country in Korea during Vietnam; he was honorably discharged from the Army in 1964 as a Sharp Shooter Specialist.  Richard started his career with Sundstrand Corporation (UTC) in 1967 as a Senior Quality Engineer, retiring in 2003 after thirty six years.  He was one of the original "Dreaded Sundstrand Raiders" softball team members which was "One winning team"!

Richard married Patricia (Patty) Lee Smith on August 10, 1985.  Together they loved to travel, especially to Hilton Head Island, SC.  They loved just being together doing anything.  He enjoyed woodworking, which brought out his creative side; making entertainment centers, benches, and step-stools for all the little ones.  Richard enjoyed bowling; he even scored a 300 game.  He also enjoyed riding his motorcycle, boating and riding scooters with Patty.

Dick was grateful for the friends in his life - some for 50 years; Jim and Bonnie Johnson, Tom and Jenny Roland, Dave and Debby Rogers, Les and Myriam Wicklund, and Rick and Lavonne Lowe.

Until his illness, he played golf several times weekly for many years with what he considered the best foursome, not so much with talent, but in friendship; Dr. Al Francik, George Kelly and Tom Mohr.  Wolf Hollow will never be the same.

Richard is loved and will be missed by his wife and best friend, Patty; daughter Candace (Russ) Nelson; and the best niece he could ask for, Debbie (Mike) Clanin; numerous brothers in-law, sisters in-law and their families.  Special thanks to great neighbors, Joe and Margie Martino, Carrie and Pat Coffee, and Julie Smith, who were always available to offer a hand to help as well as their support.  To Kamme and Josh Dahlberg, Kim and Bob Gorney and others from Members Alliance Credit Union for support during Dick's illness.  We are grateful for Mercy Hospice and Home Health Care's tender care and support.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, son (Tyler Smith), sister and brother in-law (Priscilla (Patsy) and Burnell (Butch) Barr), nephew (Tracy Barr), and father and mother in-law (Karl, Norma and Shirley Kuczynski).

A memorial gathering will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. Tuesday, September 4, 2018 at Anderson Funeral & Cremation Services, 218 W. Hurlbut Avenue., Belvidere, IL.    A time of Reflecting on the Life of Richard Smith will be held at Noon.  Military Rites will be accorded and a reception to follow.  Please dress casually.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in care of Richard's family for memorial benches at both, Swan Hills Golf Course and Wolf Hollow Golf Course.  To share a remembrance, please visit www.AndersonFCS.com