Richard “Dick” Smith 74, of Godfrey, died at 11:27 am Monday, June 30th, 2025 at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Alton.
Dick was born January 12, 1951, in Alton to the late Leo Charles and Mary Lucille (Miller) Smith.
He was a lifelong resident of Madison County, attending school in Alton. After graduation, Dick joined the Steel Worker’s Union and started work at the Steel Mill where he retired after 30 years of service. After retirement, he then joined the Laborer’s union. The construction of the Stan Musial Bridge being one of the bigger projects he was on.
Dick married the former Mary Frances Corethers on January 17, 1981, in Godfrey. Together, Mary and Dick were the proud parents of four children and shared in nearly 45 years of marriage.
Dick was a well-known, lifetime member of the Alton-Wood River Sportsmen’s Club where he was once the President. The club property in Pleasant Hill, Illinois is where he spent many years fishing, hunting, having fun, and collecting memories.
As much as Dick loved to have fun, he was never scared of hard work. He and the other members of the “Dirty Dozen” as they were known, were always working on a project. Whether it was putting in a new fireplace and chimney in the clubhouse or working on a pump, no job was too big or too small. In addition to spending time at the Sportsmen’s Club, Dick and a couple of friends founded the “Royal Dick’s Hunting Club” in Southern Illinois. Behind that group of buddies getting together to hunt were lifelong friendships and bonds being built to stand the test of time.
Over the years, Dick could often be found hanging out in his garage with a buddy or two or four, as well as his loyal companion; his Bassett Hound, Oreo. “Big O” enjoyed their daily rides around the lake and stayed by Dick’s side until the very end.
Dick was a devoted husband, father, grandpa, great-grandpa, and friend. To know him was to love him, and he will be greatly missed by all that knew him.
Surviving are his wife, Mary Smith of Godfrey; four sons and their significant others, Earl Russell Billings IV (Jeanne) of Alton, Nathan Billings (Darlene) of Potosi, Craig Smith (Sheri) of Collinsville and Matthew Smith (Erica) of Fosterburg; 8 grandchildren, Gabby (Jacob) Jarvis, Earl Russell Billings V “Buddy”, Nate Billings (Alexis), Rebecca Billings, Wyatt Smith, Jack Smith, Olivia Smith, and Stella Hagarty; 5 great-grandchildren, Henry and Ellie Jarvis, Aubrey and Kendall Billings, and Nico Charnes; a sister and brother in law, Jackie (Brian) Bergjans and a number of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Lucille Smith, as well as a brother, Gary Smith.
Per Dick’s wishes, a Celebration of Life will be held at Alton-Wood River Sportsmen’s Club on Saturday August 2nd, 2025 from 12:00-4:00. We will be dedicating time from 12:00 to 1:30 to honor Dick, sharing fond memories and stories.
Online guestbook information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.
