Richard Smith

LAKELAND, FLA. — Richard “Buck” Smith, 91, of Lakeland, Fla. and Harrison, passed away Tuesday, April 14, 2015, at the Good Shepherd Hospice in Lakeland, Fla.

He was born on March 3, 1924, to Maude and Theodore Smith in Quincy, Mass. He graduated from Braintree High School in 1942.

He was predeceased by two sisters, Glenna Barrett and Marie Lodge.

Richard was married to Noreen Long Smith for 67 years and is survived by his loving wife, and five children: Linda Smith, Richard Smith (Linda), Arthur (Janet), Ronald (Shelley) and Donald (Sheila), 10 + 3 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

The family lived in Braintree, Mass., until 1966 when they moved to Harrison, and ran Shoreland Housekeeping Cabins for many years. He was a member of the Carpenters Union in Boston, was a lifetime member of the Mass Masonic Lodge, a member of the North Presbyterian Church, Lakeland, Fla., and a former member of South Congo Church in Braintree, Mass., and Calvary Community Church in Harrison.

Buck was proud to serve his country during World War II, entering into the Navy in March of 1943 and returned home in Feb. of 1946. He was a radio man on the USS Vesole, working the radio on DDay.

Buck was an inspiration to his family, who believed in paying it forward, having volunteered for many organizations such as Lakeland Regional Hospital, Lakeland Cancer Center, VISTE, and helping his neighbors daily, to name a few.

Buck enjoyed his summers on Crystal Lake in Harrison and his winters in Lakeland, Fla. He will be sadly missed by all that knew him. There was not a person he met that he did not extend a warm smile, a firm handshake and a hug.

A celebration of his life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Good Shepherd Hospice or No. Lakeland Presbyterian Church. Arrangements by David Russell Funeral Home of Lakeland, Fla., www.davidrussellfuneralhome.com