Richard Lester Smith

April 26, 2020 - September 23, 2020

Richard Lester Smith, 87, of Statesville passed peacefully Wednesday, September 23, 2020 at the Gordon Hospice House. He was born in Pennsylvania on April 26, 1933 to the late Nora Dilly Smith. Richard served his country with the US Navy. He was a retired heavy equipment operator in the construction industry. He played on a roller hockey team, enjoyed roller skating, bowling, and motorcycle riding. He loved to talk to people and never met a stranger. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 51 years, Suzanne Scheller Smith, a brother, Burton “Butch” Strausser, a sister, Gloria Smith and special nieces, Connie Butz, Bobbi Scheller and Tenniel Strausser. A Funeral Service will be held Saturday, September 26, 2020 at 2:00 pm in the Nicholson Funeral Home Chapel. The family will visit with friends following the service. Private burial will be held at the National Cemetery in Salisbury. Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.nicholsonfunerals.com.