Obituary of Richard Fenton Smith

    Richard (Rick) Fenton Smith, passed away at his home in Chapel Hill, NC on January 15, 2020. Rick was the son of the late Richard Dean Smith and Barbara Webb Smith of Charlotte, NC. He was born in Elyria, OH in November of 1950 were he spent his formative years. Rick joined the US Army’s 82nd Airborne division. He served with distinction from 1970 to 1972.

    Rick Smith then attended and gained a journalism degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1974. Rick then went on to earn a masters degree in journalism from the University of Florida in 1975.

    Rick followed his passion and became an investigative reporter in both south Florida and North Carolina. He was recognized several times by the NC Press Association for his reporting and investigations including a series exposing the dumping of raw sewage into Lake Hickory, source of drinking water for six communities. Rick followed his passion for reporting into his retirement in the 1990s.  

    Rick was diagnosed with non-hodgkins lymphoma in 2012. He was treated by the excellent staff at the Lineberger Cancer Center at UNC who helped him live his life the way he wanted until his passing. Rick wanted to express his gratitude to the doctors and nurses who helped him through his treatment.  

    Rick lived a fiercely independent life, focussing his energy on his passions for much of his life. He had been a friend of Bill W for many years.  

    Rick never married or had children but enjoyed his time with friends and his nephews, Alex and Brad, who survive him. He was preceded in death by his sister Deborah Martson and his parents Richard and Barb. A small service was held at Sandhills Veterans Cemetery for friends and family. Rick is buried near his beloved Fort Bragg where he can be close to the Airborne Division that formed so much of his later life.  

    To all that knew Rick, his quirks, bold statements and fierce friendship, thank you for being part of his life. He valued those people in his life and while his expression of that gratitude was rare, we knew his feelings.

    Walker's Funeral Home of Chapel Hill is assisting the Smith family.