James Richard Smith

James Richard Smith, Jr. passed from this life on May 1, 2019. He was born on April 2, 1963 in Dallas, TX to James R. and Margaret Smith. He was preceded in death by his father, James R. Smith, Sr. and his sister Margaret (Juli) McDonald, and his beloved dog Tootsie. He is survived by his 3 sons, James Richard Smith III of Forney, Austin Smith of Jensen Beach, Florida and Shane Smith of Forney. He is also survived by his mother Margaret T. Smith of Forney; sister, Janna Dobbs (Randel) of Forney; brothers and sisters in love, Sam McDonald of Forney, Tanya Wood (Chris) of Fate, Scott Purvis (Chassidy) of Frisco, Nick Purvis (Kimber) of Jupiter, Florida, and Alexys Gagne (Paul) of Austin; nieces and nephews Stephen Adair (Heather) of Forney, Sean McDonald (Shannon) of Dallas, Lindsay Adair (Brandon) of Arlington, Lesley Pennington (Ryan) of Forney, O’Brien McDonald (Carrie) of Forney, Deidra Ruchaber (Mitch) of Forney; Alicia Smith of Jensen Beach, Florida, the mother of his children; his baby boxer puppy Daisy Domergue; his hunting buddies John Santiago, Sean Krodell, Patrick Wallace, Richard Curry and countless life-long friends. Richard graduated from Forney High School in 1981. He then graduated from Texas A&M University in College Station in 1987 with a B.S. degree in Building Construction (Gig‘Em). He spent the last 20 years of his career with ICI Construction, Inc. as Chief Estimator. The greatest loves of Richard’s life were his 3 sons, Richard, Austin and Shane. He lived his whole life for them and was a model to his sons of what a good man, and a great dad, should be. Anyone who knew him knew how fiercely proud he was of his boys. He loved spending time with his family and friends, reading about history and, of course, deer hunting.He was a mentor to many young men in his life and was an outstanding father, son, brother, uncle, and friend. Contributions in his memory can be made to the Hillcrest Cemetery fund at PO Box 1033, Forney, TX 75126, “Hunters for the Hungry” through the East Texas Food Bank, or North Texas Boxer Rescue. A Tribute to Dad Dad got to leave on a good note. The three of us were his main concern, and at the time of his passing we all were – and still are – on the verge of important chapters in our life. Not only that, but he got to see all of us put ourselves in position for success. Austin and I both had rough times, both academically and behaviorally, and he was able to witness both of us turn ourselves around and begin to realize our potential. Although there is much in our futures that he will not see, I know he will be right there with us in spirit as we journey onward in our lives. He was proud of all of us when he left this world, and I hope that I can continue to make him proud. Shane Smith, age 16 www.youtube.com/v/V5CNxvBvcEg