Richard Smoot Obituary

Richard Lee Smoot Sr., USN (Ret)
AIKEN - Richard Lee Smoot Sr., USN (Ret), passed away on September 18, 2017 at the VA Hospital-Augusta surrounded by the loving words of Sharon Hanrahan Smoot, his wife of 29 years. He is also survived by his son: Dicky (Rich) Smoot, daughters: Kristy (Tim) Thomas & Kelly Stieger. He was pre-deceased by his son: Peter Crans and daughters: Robin Ganzel and Kim Weber. He also absolutely loved his 10 grandchildren with over 14 great-grandchildren and treasured any time with god-daughter Chelsee and her sister Aleena.
Dick was born in Roanoke, VA and joined the Navy while still in high school and spent his Junior & Senior year summers in training. He took many college classes during his 33 years in the Navy and achieved the level of Command Master Chief Petty Officer. He learned early on as a young sailor that flying was better than sailing since aboard ship you are still aboard ship when you had your time off. Notable Navy Awards: Navy Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Battle "E" (2 awards), Good Conduct Medal (7 awards), National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Reserve Medal w/two hourglasses, .38 & .45 Calibre Pistols (Sharpshooter), Navy Commendation Medal. In addition: Badges: Navy Air Crew Wings, Navy Aviation Warfare Specialist, Command Master Chief Badge, Gold Rating Badge and Hash Marks.
Not ready to stop working when he retired from the Navy in 1988, he worked at Beech Aerospace then Johnson & Johnson before retiring for good in 1999. During this time he became a 32 degree Mason and a Shriner.
Dick & Sharon moved to Aiken in 2003 from the San Francisco Bay Area/Silicon Valley and he immediately indulged in his love of history by becoming a docent at the Aiken County Historical Museum. In addition, he spent 8 years on the Board of the Friends of the Museum with several years as President. They both also became active members of the St. Gerard's Roman Catholic Church in Aiken and he spent several years serving on their Pastoral Council. He was an active member of the Stephen James (Aiken) Coin Club and took intense summer courses in Colorado at the American Numismatic Society headquarters in order to learn how to rate the value of coins and paper money. He enjoyed his time with the Cedar Creek Monday men's luncheon, Tuesday lunches with the Windermere guys, along with many Aiken community activities. They both also thoroughly loved traveling all over the world and cruising to Italy, Panama Canal, Alaska and many trips to the Caribbean.
A private service will take place later at his grave site in Washington State. In lieu of flowers, he suggested a donation in his honor to the Friends of the Museum, 433 Newberry Street, Aiken, SC 29801 or the Aiken/Augusta Warrior Project at augustawarriorproject.org.
The Historic George Funeral Home, 211 Park Ave., SW, Aiken, SC 29801 (803.649.6234), has charge of arrangements.
Expressions of sympathy for the Smoot family may be left by visiting www.georgefuneralhomes.com