Richard R Smith

Bro. Richard Ralph Smith also affectionately known as “Sonny” gave of his best until God called early on Tuesday morning, July 11, 2017, and he surrendered this earthly life to take his rest.  He was born in Putnam, AL May 5, 1956, to the late Odie and Beulah Smith.  He confessed Christ at an early age and served as the Superintendent of the Sunday School and on the Steward Board of Buxton Chapel C.M.E. Church in Morvin.

Sonny graduated from Marengo High School in Dixon Mills, AL in 1974 and served in the United States Army.  He worked for McMillian Bloedel in Pine Hill and Georgia Pacific (Paper Mill) for over 35 years until his retirement in 2014.

Sonny was a people person and loved everyone.  He was an avid farmer and hunter and continued the family’s legacy of farming-being the third generation to reside and thrive on the Smith Fields.  He owned and operated R & M Farms (“Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner”), selling fresh fish and produce to many communities.  In addition, he was a member of the Brothers Hunting Club.

Sonny was united in Holy matrimony to Prentella Eddie on June 4, 1986.  One son, Jamal Smith, was born to this union.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Odie & Beulah Smith; a son, William Odis Sanders; and sister, Cora Cotson.

He leaves to cherish his memories a loving and devoted wife Prentella Smith of Putman, AL; sons:  Jamal Smith of Putnam, AL, Jamar Office (LaShun) of Detroit, MI, and Rachel “Man” McMiller of Putnam, AL; Nephews:  LaBaron Cotson and Alvin Cotson of Atlanta, GA; Uncle:  Ernest (Norma) Tate of Selma, AL; Aunt:  Ruth Jackson of New York; Sister-in-Laws:  Susie Chaney of Detroit, MI, Elosie Wilcox (Laura) of Mobile, AL, Eliza Eddie, Peggy (Morris) Manning of Gainesville, FL; a host of cousins, nieces and nephews, and other relatives and friends.

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