Richie was most affectionately known as "Richie" or "Richie Rich." On July 6, 2025, Richie suddenly departed this world at the age of sixty-eight in his hometown of Columbus, Ohio.

Richie was born on March 11, 1957, in Columbus, Ohio, to the late Richard Molien Smith Sr. and Addie Towns Smith. He was a passionate athlete participating in sports throughout his youth and adult life. While attending Marion Franklin High School, his perseverance and skill landed him a spot on the Red Devils basketball team. Richie would then go on to attend Spokane Falls Community College in Spokane, Washington, majoring in Business. After which, he attended Florida State University.

Upon his return to Columbus, Ohio, Richie embarked on a career with Anheuser-Busch that spanned over 34 years. His dedication to the job, his co-workers, and his love for sports were unparalleled. Richie's commitment extended beyond his workplace, as he continued to play basketball with teams at Busch and other local teams at the gym. His love for the Cleveland Browns and the Ohio State Buckeyes was a testament to this unwavering passion.

Richie's love for music was infectious. Whether it was R&B, Jazz, or Country, he loved it all, and his DJ handle "DJ Richie Rich" and "The 'Ole school DJ" were a testament to the music enthusiast that he was. He found joy in seeing people happy, a true reflection of his warm and vibrant personality.

Richie volunteered to feed school children and the elderly. The at-risk students thrived on his encouragement and his kind words. He was often stern but fair when speaking with them and would frequently extend to them dual work invitations of either working alongside him in the catering business or DJ'ing to make extra money. He enjoyed volunteering at colleges, one of the ways he could talk to the students and gain insight into their majors and life's plans. He had a heart for the elderly, always supplying meals, or clearing their walkways to assist in their livelihood and safety. He also cherished his aunts, now in their 80s. If they called, he came.

Richard loved the hospitality business, where he met the one, he described as his "confident", his "ride or die, his soulmate/best friend of 24 plus years", Claudia. Together, they were Linzy's Catering. He referred to himself as the frontman of the operation. This venture had always been close to his heart. He loved what he did. He loved talking up the business. All of the employees loved him very much.

Richard was devoted to our Lord and Savior. He accepted the Lord in his life during the pandemic, with things being so uncertain. Richard began to study the word of Christ. He would say, "I am blessed by the best, I know that I am highly favored."

Richard was preceded in death by his parents. Richard Mollen Smith, Sr, Addie Towns, Smith, and beloved daughter Renika Lynn Smith. He also leaves from a previous union, the mother of his children, Renee Smith. He is survived by his son, Richard Smith III, his sister Robin R. Smith, his brother Shakur Salim, and two grandchildren, Aalayiah and Keijuan. A host of aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Visitation will be held at Reynoldsburg Community Church, 1636 Graham Rd, Reynoldsburg, Ohio, on Monday, August 4, 2025 from 10 am until the time of service of 11 am. Burial will follow after service at Glen Rest Memorial Estates, Reynoldsburg, Ohio.

Pfeifer Woodyard Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.