Obituary of Dick Smith

CUYAHOGA FALLS - Harry Richard (“Dick”) Smith, 92, departed his earthly life January 26, 2022. He was born on May 27, 1929, in Akron, Ohio. Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Harry W. Smith and Sarah (Richard) Smith; wife, Joanne (Johnson) Smith; sister and brother-in-law, Dorothy and Willard Spade, and granddaughter, Sarah Slingerland. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Julia (Buida) Smith; daughters, Karen (Dave) Swift, Sharon Slingerland, and Hannah (Michael) Paulin; grandchildren, Rebecca (Butch) Waggoner, Stephen (Krystal) Slingerland, Brian (Leanne) Swift, and Ellington Paulin, and great-granddaughter, Avorie Swift. He is also survived by sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Miriam (Roger) McKissick, Helen (Johnny) Jones, Tom (Norma) Buida, and John (Deb Gilbertson) Buida, and numerous nieces and nephews. Dick proudly served the U.S. Army in the Korean War and was honorably discharged as a 1st Lieutenant in May 1954. He earned a BS and MS in Education from The University of Akron and spent 31 years as a math teacher at Woodridge Junior High School and principal at Woodridge Elementary School. His second career was at Redmon Funeral Home, where he spent 28 years serving the community. He never quit working, and at the age of 86, began volunteering at Mobility Worldwide OH-Stow, where he built mobility carts for leg disabled people. These were not just jobs to Dick - his work was how he showed love to people, and he committed his whole heart in service to God. He was a member of The Chapel in Akron for over 60 years and attended Christ Community Chapel in Hudson for the past 10 years. Dick deeply and unconditionally loved God, his family, and his many friends. Nicknamed “Mr. Incredible” for his strength, stamina, attention to detail, and work ethic, he was truly one of a kind. Visitation is Thursday, February 3 from 4 to 7 PM at Redmon Funeral Home, 3633 Darrow Road, Stow. Pastor Jim Colledge will conduct funeral service Friday, February 4 at 10:30 AM at Redmon Funeral Home, followed by 12:30 PM burial at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, 10175 Rawiga Road, Seville. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Mobility Worldwide OH-Stow, (4381 Hudson Drive, PMB #169, Stow, OH 44224), or Haven of Rest, (175 E. Market Street, Akron, OH 44308).