Search

Of Chelsea, Michigan, age 76, transitioned to Heaven on Saturday, November 28, 2020 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Chelsea. He was born January 3, 1944 in Hillsdale, MI, the son of Richard Arthur and Ethel Marie (Sanders) Smith. He had two sisters, Diane Wieland who preceded him in death, and Janet Ward, who survives.

Dicky graduated from Jackson High School in 1962. During his working life, he had various jobs, but Dicky was most proud of his career at Chrysler Proving Grounds. Dicky started that career in 1972 at various positions until he landed at the wind tunnel team as driver/mechanic. He proudly honored that position until his retirement in 2002, with the knowledge of a job well done. He became a member of the First Congregational Church of Chelsea in 1999 and always had a smile and a handshake. He was most proud of his role as head of building and grounds. He loved working with the youth on mission trips, showing his talent, wisdom and teaching the value of hard work, always with a smile and a wink.

Dicky volunteered at Chelsea Community Hospital as a shuttle driver. He was President of Sylvan Hills Estates property owners association. He designed and built the home he and Linda have resided in since 1988. He built with pride a ’32 Ford and just finished a ’41 Plymouth. He enjoyed being a car guy, woodworking, fishing, 60's music, word finds, along with keeping his lawn immaculate. Dicky's family and friends were incredibly important to him. His positive spirit and engaging wit improved the lives of people around him.

On December 27, 1975, he met the love of his life - his soul-mate, Linda and eight months later they were married on August 21, 1976 at the Arbor Grove Congregational Church in Jackson. Dicky and Linda, with only determination and a force of unbelievable love, became a family with 5 children, 4 girls and 1 boy who ranged in ages of 12, 11, 10, 9, and 6 years old. That union created a wonderful family. Survivors include his wife, Linda, with 44 years of marriage; Shelley (Neal) Young of Oklahoma, Patti (Gar) Deyoe of Chelsea, Charles “Chuck” Garrison Jr. of Rapid City, Lori (Bobby) Hall of Jackson, Cindy (Dennis) Hoffman of Cement City, 14 grandchildren, Stacey (Scott), Stephanie (Kevin), Jennifer (Aaron), Christopher (Deanna), Trey (Kaitlyn), Amee (Chase), Janie (Cody), Morgan, Ashley, Olivia, Chelsey, Cameron, Collin and Sam. 14 great-grandchildren, Lyla, Elsie, June, Gabriel, Noah, Christopher, Hannah, Haley, Kaylee, Brendan, Kayden, Tucker, Callie and Bricen. We give heart-filled gratitude to Linda’s sister, Jeanine Lasovage; and a special thank you to Dr. Rebecca Patrias, Dr. Edward Kreske, and all of Dicky’s health care team of many years.

A graveside service will be held Thursday, December 3, 1:00 pm, at Oak Grove East Cemetery, with Pastor Joe Jeffreys officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Congregational Church, St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea ICU, or the Chelsea Area Fire Authority. Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel.  

Click here to watch Dicky's graveside service.


You may use the form below to share a memory or leave a public message for Dick's family. Please allow 24 hours for us to review and post your comment.

Comments  

#9 Jim Lyerla 2020-12-10 15:21
Worked for years with Dick at the CPG. Always ready to help. My thoughts are with you Linda.RIP my good friend
Quote
#8 Sharon and Scott 2020-12-07 10:42
Dearest Linda and Family,
We are so sadden to hear of Dicks passing. A very kind neighbor who always had a welcoming smile and fun conversation. Memories we will always cherish. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sharon & Scott Rising
Quote
#7 Bill and Nancy 2020-12-05 20:03
Linda, Bill and I were so saddened by Dicky's passing. He was such a sweet man. Please know that you are in our prayers.
Quote
#6 BARBARA J FREDETTE 2020-12-04 16:42
Dear Linda,

Charley and I were shocked to read of Dicky's passing. Please accept our heartfelt sympathy...send ing hugs to you. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Love, Charley and Barb
Quote
#5 Emily Bremer 2020-12-03 11:14
Linda I will always remember the first time we met so many years ago so many memories. Dicky always had a smile and a story to tell he was a wonderful man.
Quote
#4 Jim and Gail Finch 2020-12-02 17:20
Linda and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Quote
#3 Tom Kalina 2020-12-02 11:09
What a great guy. Will miss his gift of conversation and his sense of humor. Thanks to Linda and Dick for your years of friendship.
Quote
#2 Cindy Jenne 2020-12-02 03:43
Dicky and Linda were dear friends of my husband husband and I. We met during a camping trip one summer and have continued to stay in touch yearly thereafter. We've spent many a day playing Rummycube and sharing a meal. Dicky always brought laughter to the party and we will miss his company. Love and hugs to Linda. Look forward to seeing you next summer.
Quote
#1 Alison Elliott 2020-12-01 14:46
Linda I'm so very sorry to hear about Dick. We will miss seeing him at car shows. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jim and Alison Elliott
Quote

Add comment

Security code
Refresh