Richard Earl Smith

Richard Earl Smith, age 84, of Martinez, CA passed away June 26th, 2022 in the company of his loving daughter and son-in-law.

Richard, known as Dick to his friends, was born in Meadville, PA March 22nd on 1938 to Helen and Robert Smith. He graduated high school in 1956 spending his youth racing hot-rods and wrenching on cars with friends. He served in the US Navy from 1959 – 1963 as an aircraft crew chief. He met his future wife, Linda while stationed at the Alameda NWS in Alameda, CA.  Linda and Richard married in 1962 and were married 49 years at the time of Linda’s passing in 2011.

Richard worked as a mechanic and then service manager, spending most of his career as service manager of Haynes Buick of Concord, CA. He retired in 2000.

Richard had many hobbies and passions. He drag-raced at the famous Fremont Drag Strip in the late 1960’s and raced at the Antioch ¼ mile dirt track in the early 70’s. He built his race cars in his residential garage from “scratch”.  Building the frames and piecing together all the systems and components. He was a giving and helpful person. He was the neighborhood mechanic. Never turning away neighbors, family, and friends who brought their car problems to him. Often working well into the night to make sure that person had a car to get to work the next day. Never accepting compensation.

Family activities were an important part of Richard’s life. Vacations and weekends were spent group camping and waterskiing with family and friends. Some other enthusiasms were fishing, hunting, bowling, bocce ball, kayaking, hiking, and classic car shows. Later in life he enjoyed spending time with his two granddaughters taking them on car rides in his 1964 convertible Corvette. 

Richard is survived by his two children, Jody Smith Alford and Bryan Smith, his son-in-law Steve Alford, and his two grandchildren, Madelynn Alford and Mackenzie Smith.

A viewing will be held Tuesday July 5th 3:00PM – 5:00PM at Oakmont Memorial Park & Mortuary (Redwood Room) - 2099 Reliez Valley Rd, Lafayette, CA 94549

Memorial services will be held Wednesday July 6th from 11:00AM – 12:00PM at Oakmont Memorial Park & Mortuary (Redwood Room) - 2099 Reliez Valley Rd, Lafayette, CA 94549

A reception, fully catered will be held July 6th from 1:00PM - 3:00PM at 1704 Teakwood Drive, Martinez, CA