Charles Richard Smith, Jr.

“Rick” Charles Richard Smith, Jr.

February 9, 1960 — December 29, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Air Force Veteran Rick Smith. In the early hours of December 29, 2025, Rick passed away with his beloved wife of forty-six (46) years by his side at The James at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Rick fought an arduous battle against cancer for nearly two years, maintaining hope and courage throughout.

Rick was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, son-in-law, brother, uncle, and dear friend. Those who knew him remember, and will carry with them, the love and kindness he embodied and demonstrated through his words and deeds.

Rick was born in Fort Worth, Texas and grew up in Los Angeles, California, graduating from Lakewood High School in 1978.

Later that same year, Rick enlisted and proudly served one tour with the United States Air Force, serving three years at Wurtsmith Air Force Base. In 1979, Rick married his sweetheart Stephanie (Dailey) Smith. In 1981, Rick and Stephanie welcomed the rambunctious and handsome son, Christopher Bradley. In 1982, Rick was honorably discharged from the United States Air Force. Rick and Stephanie moved to Zanesville, Ohio, to be closer to family and to raise their own. In 1987, Rick and Stephanie welcomed their second child, the smart and beautiful daughter, Kaylee Kristine.

Rick worked for several companies throughout his career, including United Technologies, Ohio Paperboard Company, Stryker, and Americatz. Rick and his sister, Dee Snyder (Smith), also owned a boutique jewelry store, Sassy Silver.

Despite the cold winters, Rick loved Zanesville, Ohio. He enjoyed learning about and discussing the rich history of Appalachia and volunteered his time by being a docent at Dr. Increase Mathews House, the oldest building in Muskingum County. Rick was quick to help a family, friend, or neighbor.

Rick is survived by his wife, Stephanie; his son, Christopher (Talesia), his daughter Kaylee (Richard), his sisters Sally King (Brian), Daris White, and Dee Snyder (and special brother-in-law Brian), his mother-in-law Linda Lancaster, his aunt Delores Olinger, sister-in-law Kelli Dailey and brothers-in-law Jim Dailey (Theresa), Brian Dailey, Ryan Dailey, and Asher Lancaster. Rick was preceded in death by his parents Charles Smith, Sr. and Maria Louisa Rodriguez, his brother Kevin Smith, his sister Nyoka Haramy, and his sister-in-law Stacy Frueh.

Rick deeply loved his grandsons Cameron Smith, Franklin Schanz, and Callum Schanz and made every effort to attend celebrations, school events, sport practices and games, and was always ready to engage in humorous banter with them. Rick was blessed with thirteen (13) nephews and eight (8) nieces.

Rick enjoyed the company of his neighbors Brian, Dionne, and other friends for the weekly dinners and Long Island Iced Teas they shared at Keck’s. Rick also enjoyed the company of his long-time friends, Joyce Burton, John Tripp, Gary Stewart, and Kyle Dillinger.

Friends and family may call from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. on Monday, January 5, 2026, at the BOLIN-DIERKES FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 1271 BLUE AVENUE, ZANESVILLE. Military honors will be rendered on the lawn at 4:00 p.m., with the funeral service to follow, officiated by Pastor Michael Bullock.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation, in Rick’s honor, to the Muskingum 250 Committee of the Muskingum County History organization, The Straker Building, 534 Putnam Ave, Zanesville, Ohio 43701.