Richard W. Smith, age 76, of Elgin, IL, passed away on November 24, 2023. He was born August 16, 1947 in Elgin, IL to his loving parents, Andrew and Ruth (née Small) Smith.

Richard honorably served in the United States Army. Except for his time in military service, he lived in Elgin his entire life. He graduated from Northern Illinois University, and worked for the US Postal Service for many years.

Richard began attending Immanuel Baptist Church (now known as Grace Covenant Baptist Church) with his parents in 1951, at the tender age of 4, and he had attend ever since. He heard the gospel of Jesus Christ at a young age, from both church teachings and at youth camp, and he believed and trusted in Christ’s righteousness alone for his salvation. He was baptized at age 10. As an adult, he faithfully served as the church treasurer until 2019.

Richard was a member of the Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, where he supported the Elgin Police Department in volunteer work for many years. He was also a part of the Songs of Hiawatha Pageant in Elgin, where he made lifelong friends. Compassionate and generous, Richard regularly gave financially to a myriad of causes that bettered the lives of others. He was a consummate gentleman, and even when his memory was gone, he remembered to treat others with respect and decency, and had impeccable manners that demonstrated his care for others. Richard was an optimist, an encourager, and a clever conversationalist with a kind heart and a quick wit.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents. While he never married or had children, Richard’s life was filled with those who loved him as a father, friend, and brother, and he will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be 11:00am until funeral service at 12:00pm, Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at Grace Covenant Baptist Church, 500 St. Charles Street, Elgin, IL 60120. Pastor Paul Alexander will be officiating.

Interment with military honors to follow at Bluff City Cemetery, 945 Bluff City Boulevard, Elgin, IL 60120.

Final arrangements entrusted to Symonds-Madison Funeral Home. For more information, call 847-741-1128.