Richard Anthony Smith

Richard Anthony Smith, 69, of Harrisburg passed away on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at Tucker Hospice House surrounded by his loving family.

Richard was born on May 19, 1956 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania... Go Steelers! He is preceded in death by his wife, Cindy Smith; sister, Lynn Johnston; Dad, Chuck Smith.

Rich graduated from Keystone Oaks High School in Pittsburgh in 1974. He was in the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs from 1975-1979. He proudly made rank of Sergeant during this time and was assigned Painting Detail for the duration of his enlistment. From there he proceeded to go to Bible College in Indiana were he was active in bus ministry and pursuing a deeper relationship with Jesus, which has always been central to his life. After a season in Indiana, they moved to sunny West Palm Beach, Florida. There he found his passion and career in law enforcement, serving as a Crime Scene Investigator for the West Palm Beach Police Department for 14 years, making many lasting friendships that have been highlights of his life to this day. In 2000, believing God was calling them to serve with Dan Burrell at Northside, they moved their family in obedience to God. While in Charlotte, he became a Fingerprint Analyst for the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office, where he officially retired in 2016. In 2017 his beloved wife of 40 years, Cindy, passed away after a hard battle with ovarian cancer. Through all the hardships, Rich kept his faith and never wavered in serving Christ. It was during this time, that God brought Becky into his life to encourage, comfort and walk with him. Through this a love developed. They were married in June 2018. Rich and Becky have blended two worlds and made a beautiful life together for the past 7 years. There are so many stories of his kindness, his compassion and his ability to make everyone feel special. He had a distinct laugh which brought joy to all around him. He loved nature, especially birds. He was an avid cyclist, often times riding circles around those he was riding with. He would go on hikes, loved the shooting range and was just an everyday outdoorsman. He had a love for worship music and worshiping Jesus with his family and anyone who was around. There are many memories of him with his hands raised worshiping Jesus. He would share his faith with anyone who would listen and would often present the Gospel, because he wanted everyone to know that Jesus was the only way to true peace with God.

Rich is survived by his mother, Mary Lovelady; wife, Becky Smith; sister, Julie Sherman (Steve); daughters: Rebekah Heilman (Eric) & Heather Kay (Jeremy); grandchildren: Hannah Kay, Lilly Heilman, Emma Heilman, Olivia Heilman, Tamiya McClean; step children: Michael Landrum (Tanya), Joshua Landrum, Elizabeth Branscum (Jason); step grandchildren: Brandon Landrum, Justin Landrum, Fisher Landrum, Paisley Landrum, Keeley Landrum, Kaleb Landrum, Tennley Landrum, Addy Branscum, Everly Branscum; and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 11am-12pm on Monday, July 14, 2025 at Northside Charlotte, Fine Arts Building. The Memorial Service will immediately follow at 12 noon.

Burial will be held on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, 10am at Carolina Memorial Park in Kannapolis, NC.