H. Richard Smith

Every student, no matter the age, deserves a champion -a teacher who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be. The scientific genius, Albert Einstein, penned these words. "It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge". For 37 years, H. Richard Smith adopted a similar mantra for the thousands of students who filled his classrooms at Newnan High School from 1961 through 1996 and later at the Heritage School for an additional year. Students who were in Richard's classes knew full well, going in, that he was without compare in the quality of his instruction in English grammar and composition. They also knew he was strict, but fair, and fully committed to the task before him as a shaper of young minds. Richard believed that every student was an untapped resource and he fully committed himself to the task of helping each one discover that which would make them successful. He celebrated with his charges when they succeeded but was just as supportive when a soft landing was needed. Richard's life journey began March 6, 1939. He was born in Coweta County and was the eldest of three children born to the late Harvey L. and Lavonia Thompson Smith. In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his beloved brother Robert Larry Smith and Larry's wife, Phyllis, whom he loved as a sister. The Smith and Thompson families' roots run deep in the genealogy records of southern Coweta County. Family was paramount in Richard's life. Richard was everyone's helping hand and made it his mission that no one's needs went unmet. Richard found himself in a caregiver role as his parents aged and he took on that role willingly. Unfortunately, in the ensuing years his brother Larry and later his sister-in-law Phyllis would undergo health crises and Richard was a constant support whenever he was needed. Richard saw a need before others, in so many cases, so he never had to be asked to assist where needed. Having done his undergraduate studies at Mercer in Macon, Richard completed his Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 1961. He later did graduate study in English education at Auburn University and the now University of West Georgia. Curriculum vitae is a Latin term that translates loosely into work experience. The Latin is more appropriate for Richard because his work experience was more like his all-encompassing life experience because the lines between the two were blurred. Richard never had children of his own, but that worked well for his students over the course of his career. For six years he was recognized as a STAR Teacher. He was a four-time honoree in Who's Who Among America's Teachers- 1992, 1996, 1998, 2000. Richard was named Teacher of the Year for Newnan High School in 1997. It was Richard's immense joy to serve as the Newnan High School Key Club advisor for 25 years. He received in 1976 the Key of Honor, the highest award that can be presented to an adult in Key Club administration. A resolution was passed in 1987 by the Georgia House of Representatives honoring Richard for his 25 years of excellence in education and outstanding service in Key Club. The Newnan High School yearbook "The Empyrean" was dedicated to Richard three different years. The H. Richard Smith Scholarship was established at Newnan High School in 1991 to be annually awarded to the valedictorian for the graduating class. A special bonus for Richard's students who attended West Georgia College was that his reputation preceded them, and most were able to skip freshman English when it was discovered that Richard Smith and Barbara Landreth had been their English teachers in high school. Richard knew very well the importance of education in a young person's life. He knew that few of his students would eventually become English scholars. He did see it as his responsibility to help make every student a better communicator and to be able to express coherent thoughts regardless of the life path they chose. He also saw appreciation for the language as a discipline with specific rules, much like any other course of study. A favorite poem of Richard's included these words, "a teacher needs a heart of compassion, of encouragement, and patience; someone who would accept the challenge regardless of the opposition; someone who could see potential and believe in the best in others...." Well done, Richard, you have been a good and faithful servant. Richard Smith was a fount of creativity. Early in life he tapped into his abundant musical gifts. He reveled in using his gifts at the piano and organ and served as the organist and choir director at First Baptist Church of Moreland for over 40 years. It was his mission that his church had the finest piano and organ possible to lead the members in each worship service. Richard's home was a veritable treasure chest of gospel and other Christian music. Being the organizing wizard that he was, if he needed a particular album, searching was not needed. He knew exactly where to look. Even after retiring, Richard lent his talents as a gifted musician to the services he provided at McKoon Funeral Home as a staff organist and funeral assistant. Richard and his brother Larry shared a gift as floral arrangers. They were a yearly vendor at Powers Crossroads Country Fair Arts Festival. They also operated a design shop in downtown Newnan for two years. Moreland First Baptist Church was a veritable Christmas wonderland each year as Larry and Richard descended upon the sanctuary complete with greenery, candles, poinsettias, and miles of red ribbon. Knowing when to walk away was always the problem for the Smith brothers because their great love for their church made decorating for Christmas a labor of love and the stopping point was achieved when the supplies were depleted. Richard was often kidded about all the work he poured into Christmas at the church between the decorating, learning new organ pieces and rehearsing the choir for their special musical selections. January would come, and he could not believe all that he had accomplished. When there was no deadline to be met, he would wander around the house with not much to do until school started again! Surviving Richard is his devoted sister Gail Smith Carroll and her husband Len. Richard was a fully engaged uncle to Jeff Carroll and his wife Leslie, Kim Smith Pelletier and her husband Joe, Stacey Smith Henderson and her husband Kevin. Camille Carroll, Andrew Carroll, Josh Pelletier, Daniel Pelletier, Eric Henderson, Matthew Henderson are his great nieces and nephews. He honestly thought they were great both literally and figuratively. The life of Harvey Richard Smith will be remembered with great fondness and sincere sentiment as his former students, fellow church members, friends and family gather to celebrate his exemplary life on Monday, October 24, 2022, at 2:00 PM. The service will be in the chapel of McKoon Funeral Home. The family will receive friends between the hours of 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM on Sunday evening, October 23rd. Interment, following the funeral service, will be in the Historic Southview Cemetery in Moreland. In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that a memorial gift in Richard's memory may be made to the Feeding Our Friends Ministry of Central Baptist Church 14 West Broad St. Newnan, GA 30263 or online centralbaptistnewnan.org. Online Condolences may be expressed at www.mckoon.com. McKoon Funeral Home and Crematory 770-253-4580.

H. Richard Smith

March 6, 1939 - October 20, 2022