Obituary of Rick Smith

Rickie Ray Smith, 71, of Ocala, passed peacefully into eternity with his Lord on March 17, 2023.

Rick lived a life full of vitality and enjoyment of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved his Lord and constantly sought God’s wisdom and desire for his life. He married Deanna Lynn (Mason) Smith of Walton, Indiana on June 9, 1979. Their faith was foundational in Rick and Deanna’s marriage.

Rick is survived by his wife, Deanna Lynn Smith of Ocala, Florida. His surviving children include Rick and Amy (Simpson) Smith of Eustis, Opel Dawn (Smith) and Hector Arroyave of Ocala, Daniel and Krystina (Velez) Smith of Citrus Springs, and Joshua and Emily (Alsop) Smith of Ocala.

Surviving grandchildren include Timothy Smith, Collin Smith, Ashlei McNeace, Randy Albany, Meghan Albany, Sidney Smith, Allison Smith, Greyson Smith, Olivia Smith, Cameron Smith, and Aiden Smith.

Great-grandchildren include Jesse Beechum, Tyler Marsh, Kayden McNeace, Sophia McNeace, Emmaleigh Albany, Tabitha Randall, Addilynn Albany, Amelia Kedzorski, Maverick Hammock, and Levi Hammock.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Billie John and Leila Smith of Kokomo, Indiana; parents-in-law, Cecil and Mary Mason of Walton, Indiana; daughter-in law, Lavonda (Reel) Smith of Ocala, Florida; and two grandchildren, Alyssa Smith and Baby Smith of Ocala, Florida. 

Rick's brothers and sisters who have preceded him in death include Randy Smith, Molly Kay (Murphy) Stough, Bill Murphy, Carol (Murphy) Gagnon, Tom Murphy, and half-sister Cindy (McClish) Tomlinson. His only living siblings are Cathy (Murphy) Rombold and Lisa Hounchell both of Kokomo, Indiana.

Following his graduation from Kokomo High School, Kokomo, Indiana, he established Rick R. Smith, Sr. Flooring in Kokomo, Indiana, and later moved his business to Ocala, Florida. He and his son's worked together in the flooring industry until his retirement in 2016 when he was diagnosed with Parkinsons.

Rick enjoyed boating, kayaking, classic cars, and the Beatles. He played the guitar and air-brushed shirts with his cousins. He loved singing Christian music and particularly enjoyed listening to B.J. Thomas' music.

"It Is Well" was his favorite hymn. That theme will be embraced at the Celebration of Life Service at City Light Church, 4645 E. Silver Springs Boulevard, Ocala, Florida, with the Rev. Chuck Gaj officiating. Visitation with the family will take place at City Light Church on Tuesday, April 4 from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. followed by the Celebration of Life Service. Interment will follow the service at Highland Memorial Park, 1515 N.E. Third Street, Ocala, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Deanna Smith for the Rick Smith Memorial in care of City Light Church, 4645 E. Silver Springs Boulevard, Ocala, FL 34480 or to a GoFundMe page https://gofund.me/2d73e5ed.