Richie Smith
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Richie Wayne Smith, 79, of Munday passed away Thursday, July 18, 2019 surrounded by his family. He was born April 17, 1940 in Paducah to Hill and Thelma Smith.
While in high school, Richie was the Golden Glove Texas State Champion in the Flyweight division with a boxing record of 77-2. He graduated from Hamlin High School in 1958 and then served in the United States Army as a medic in Germany. After serving, he attended Dallas Institute-Gupton Jones College of Mortuary Science and graduated in August of 1962.
Richie and Mary Janelle Albus were married Nov. 10, 1962 in Rhineland. He owned and operated McCauley Smith Funeral Home for over 40 years, serving numerous families, and ran the ambulance service for many years.
He served on the Knox County Hospital Board, Munday School Board, Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, Cemetery Board, and coached Little League Baseball for eigh years. He was president of the West Texas Funeral Directors Association. He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus for 50 years and served as Grand Knight for two terms.
Richie enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting, riding his motorcycle and flying his airplane. He made everyone laugh with his countless stories, jokes and one liners. His greatest joy came from watching and supporting his children and grandchildren in all their activities.
Richie was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters Mozelle Roush and Helen Summerford. He is survived by his wife Mary Janelle of Munday; one son; Kevin Smith and wife Rebecca of Munday; two daughters Kristi Bufkin and husband Terry of Munday and Kelli Hutto and husband Don David of Fort Worth.
Richie was known as “Pappy” to his grandchildren: Ty Bufkin, Trey and Haley Bufkin, Landon Ibbott, Tatum and Callan Coltharp, Logan Ibbott, Peyton Smith, Piper Smith, Dillon Keys and Randi Johnson. He had two great grandchildren Ledger Coltharp and Ava.
A rosary and visitation was held on Saturday, July 20 at McCauley Smith Funeral Home in Munday. Funeral Mass was held Sunday, July 21 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Rhineland. Interment followed in St. Joseph’s Cemetery under the direction of McCauley Smith Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Richie to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Cemetery Fund or the American Heart Association.