Richard Kenneth “Smitty” Smith

Richard Kenneth “Smitty” Smith, age 78 of Castle Hayne, NC, passed at his home on the 1st of April, 2023 in Castle Hayne, NC.

Smitty was born on August 23, 1944 to the late Milton and Rose Smith in Bayonne, NJ.

Smitty worked for General Motors for almost 40 years. He started in the paint department, then moved his way up to a Committee man, then was elected as a Union Representative. This position was his true calling. When he was able to fight the good fight for other people’s rights, he was at his best. He always did this with a great sense of humor; “Solidarity forever, brother!”. He was in the UAW (United Auto Workers) Local 595. Smitty loved to help people; he thrived on caring for others, rarely taking time to sit still for long. He was a huge proponent for the underdog. He wasn’t happy unless he was staying busy. But, when he did take some rare down time, Smitty loved to watch old black and white films and always enjoyed “It’s a Wonderful Life” every Christmas. Smitty was also an electrician, a plumber, a carpenter; he could fix everything from a broken heart to the crack of dawn! He loved his tools. He and his son, David, would tinker in the shed for hours on end. Smitty also loved to eat. He could cook a gourmet meal in 15 minutes flat, it was astonishing. He was a hard, but fair, man. Smitty will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and all his Union brothers whose lives he touched throughout the years.

He is survived by his loving partner of 20 years Christina Stephens, his daughters Jennifer Egbert, Shannon Schell, Kerrin Duff and Jessica Stafford, sons Dave Christensen and Richie Christensen, his brother John Smith, grandchildren David Coleman, James Egbert, Nathan Stafford, Molly Christensen, Flynn Christensen, Killian Duff, River Stafford, Samuel Stafford, and Henry Schell, as well as many other extended family members and friends who loved him and will miss him.

In addition to his aforementioned parents, Smitty is preceded in death by his brothers Jeff, Dave, and Bobby Smith, and his sisters Louanne Yendrey and Rosie Epps.

There will be a private Memorial Service to be held by Smitty’s family at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, Smitty’s family has asked that donations be made in his honor to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Services and/or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Please leave memories and condolences for Smitty’s family by signing the Tribute Wall below.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation – Wilmington Chapel – 1535 S. 41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403 910.791.9099