Richard Smith Obituary

Richard D. Smith

May 27, 1948 - Oct. 27, 2023

BLOOMINGTON - Richard D. Smith, 75, of Bloomington, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 27, 2023, at home, surrounded by loving family and friends.

Richard was born on May 27, 1948, in Bloomington, IL, to Maynard and Laura Smith. He married Carolyn Lindsay of Bloomington, IL, on June 28, 1969. Richard and Carolyn recently celebrated 54 years of marriage. They enjoyed many years of extensive traveling to various places around the world. Planning international family vacations brought tremendous joy to Richard.

Richard is survived by his wife, Carolyn Smith of Bloomington, IL; daughters: Stacie Smith (Peggy Cummings) of Millinocket, ME, Sara Bailey (CAPT Kevin Bailey) of San Diego, CA, and Abi Dozier (Mark Dozier) of Camas, WA; and grandchildren: Lily Dozier, Tanner Dozier, Grant Bailey, and Carson Bailey.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters: Marilyn Stewart and Sandra Jenkins.

Family, friends, farming, and traveling were Richard's true passions. Living with a wife and three daughters, Richard rarely got a word in edgewise. Although Richard was a man of few words, his caring actions toward his family and friends spoke volumes. Richard was an extremely generous man always seeking ways to help family and friends.

Although Richard left full-time farming in 1984, he chose a second career that allowed him to support family farms. As a Farm Business Farm Management Field Staff Consultant, Richard's agricultural advice and wisdom was sought by many. He gained stature quickly and was hired to start a new farm management association in northeast Alabama. He gained notoriety nationally in the National Association of Farm Business Analysis Specialists. Richard was elected president of this national association in 1992. Richard is a well-respected member of the farming community nationwide.

Richard graduated from the University of Illinois in 1970. He earned a masters' degree in Agricultural Economics in 1992. Richard served as School Board Vice President of the Tri-Valley School District. He was an active member of the McLean Co. Farm Bureau for many years.

A visitation will be held at Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home on Friday, November 10, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. A memorial celebration will immediately follow the visitation and will begin at 4:00 p.m.

Memorials may be made to the Illinois chapter of the Huntington's Disease Society of America (HDSA). https://illinois.hdsa.org/; or Illinois Chapter (HDSA), P. O. Box 1454, Lake Villa, IL, 60046.

Condolences and memories may be shared with his family at kiblerbradyruestman.com.