Obituary of Richard Smith

Richard Terry Smith Sr., 72, of Bridgeton, was born on September 7, 1951, and went home on July 11, 2024. He was born the son of the late Mozelle Arnold and Alfonzo Johnson and he had attended Bridgeton Public Schools. Richard was an avid reader of the Bible and world religions, who loved music, sports, and his family and friends. As a youth, he played sports and found his love of music and singing led him to become a member of “The Medlows” with fellow members Edward Gregory, Robert Nutter, Richard Allen, and Robert Burroughs. In his youth, Richard was a standout running back for the Bridgeton Midget Football League where he scored the very first touchdown on the midget league field and is recorded in the City’s Sports Hall of Fame. Richard would say his jersey said “Hello” on the front and “Goodbye” on the back. He was a longtime Basketball official for local summer leagues at the Tin Can and Amity Heights courts. He was an employee of various companies and a longtime employee and mentor at Creative Achievement Academy. Richard was affectionately known as “Magoo” and always gave the Yoruba salutation “O Dabo” and never “goodbye”. He leaves to cherish his memory; sons, Ventrelle Smith Sr. (Linda), and their children Tazeyah, Nyon & Fashionette, Rome Smith Sr. and his children Rome Jr., Rashaun, Chanel & Rowan, Richard Smith Jr. (Stella), Ryan, Tilo Smith son Omar, Rashad Smith Sr. and his children Rashad Jr., Hope & Loyalty; Omar Smith and his daughter Te’Onye Watson,; daughter, Rasheena Mayas (Emanul) and their children Nasjier, Isabel, Amari, Amaiah, Sadiyah, Kai & Aaminah; maternal sister, Marian (Derek) King, and their children Roger, Lovely & India; paternal brother, Terry "Turp" Pierce Sr. (Clara), and their children Joseph Jr., Terry Jr., Latanya, and Nakia. Richard was preceded in death by; his parents and two sons, Ventrelle Smith Sr. and Omar Smith. Lovingly Submitted, The Family Funeral Services will be held at Union Baptist Temple 29 Martin Luther King Way, Bridgeton, on Friday, July 26th at 1PM. Friends will be received at the church from 11 AM to 1 PM prior to the service. Interment will take place at Fordville Memorial Park, 680 Fordville Rd., Fairfield Twp., following the service. Written condolences can be sent to the family through the funeral home website www.padgettfuneralhomes.com.