Richard Lockey Smith's Obituary
"Doc" was born on June 3, 1914 in Escanaba, Michigan to Dr. George H. and Elise Smith. He moved to Washington in the 1920's and lived in Ashford and National City. At the age of 10, he drove an ambulance for his father who was the doctor for the National City lumber camp. Doc graduated from North Pacific Dental College in 1938 and started practicing in Seattle. On February 7, 1941, he married Margaret Darragh in Aberdeen, Washington. During WWII, he was drafted into the Army Dental Corps and served in New Mexico as a dentist at a POW camp. Following the war, he was employed by the Veteran's Administration and retired in 1971 after 26 years. He was Chief Dentist for 8 years at American Lake Veteran's Hospital. During his retirement, he and Margaret enjoyed traveling and doing projects around their home. He loved cars and owned and restored over 75 automobiles. A car nut to the end, his two goals in life were to live independently and to drive his car until he died. He did exactly as he wanted and met those goals.
He is survived by his three sons, Richard (Tammy) of Anaheim, California; George (Laurie) of Green Bay, Wisconsin and Rick (Debra) of Gig Harbor, Washington. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Tom Smith (Christy), Daralynn Wright (Brett), Rick Smith, Jr. (Kim), and Shannon Smith Wallace (Adam) and 10 great grandchildren. His family and many friends at Point Defiance Village will miss "Doc".
Instead of flowers, please make donations to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.
What’s your fondest memory of Richard?
What’s a lesson you learned from Richard?
Share a story where Richard's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Richard you’ll never forget.
How did Richard make you smile?

