Dr. Richard Sidwell Smith

Dr. Richard Sidwell Smith (“Dick”), beloved husband, father, brother, friend and teacher, died on March 26, 2018. A smart, kind and funny man, Dick lived a full and adventurous life, with its share of joys and heartaches. Emeritus Professor of Economics at Arkansas Tech University, he loved his students. Prior to ATU he was a senior international economist for large financial institutions. He loved to travel and during his life spent time in South America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Mexico and all over the U.S. He was a man in motion, learning over the years to sail, pilot small planes and ride motorcycles. He even had a motorhome for a while, but flat tires, fire ants, torrential rains and tollway breakdowns killed that dream. He’ll be sorely missed by many: his wife, Nancy, his best friend, sidekick and futile moderator these last 43 years; his two children, Laura Smith (partner Kelly), and Steve Smith (wife Heather) and his three grandchildren, Emerald, Riley and Connor; his siblings Judy Johnson (Jerry), Mary Parsons and Bill Smith; and his dachshund Barney. Dick was born in Muscatine, Iowa on June 28, 1943. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sid and Thelma Smith. In addition to his kids, he was a loving dad to many dogs over the years, holding a special fondness in his heart for owly dachshunds. Dick died in touch with friends, neighbors and colleagues from all his walks of life. He often sat back at the end of an adventure and said, “Didn’t we have fun?” A celebration of his life will be held Friday, April 6, 2018 at 11:00 AM at All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Russellville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Arkansas Hospice or an animal sanctuary of your choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Russellville Family Funeral. Online guestbook and obituary are available at www.russellvillefamilyfuneral.com.