Richard Earl Smith, 56, of Elkhart, passed away on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at Elkhart General Hospital.

Rich was born on August 17, 1964 in Hammond, IN to Gerald A. Smith and Exa Sue (Simmons) Rodriguez.

Rich is preceded in death by father, Gerald and wife, Anna Smith.

Surviving Rich are his children, Richard Earl Smith (Lauren Rody) of Elkhart, Kristy Ann (Derek) Parsons of Elkhart; Erik Lewis Smith of Rochester, IN and Hope Hawver of Michigan; brother, Jerry (Silvia) Smith of Crown Point, IN; sister, Linda (Jeff) Mola of Portage, IN; grandchildren, Ryan, Alexa, Audrey and Avery; and girlfriend, Sharon Long of Elkhart.

Rich worked in local manufacturing including Coachmen for most of his life. He loved a good adventure and enjoyed 4 wheeling. Rich was creative and a great speaker with a wealth of knowledge. Rich was friendly and never knew a stranger. He was witty with a great sense of humor. Rich had a big heart and would help anyone in need. He enjoyed going on walks and was known for taking his grandchildren out for ice cream. Most of all, Rich was a family man and great dad and grandpa.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service for Rich will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, June 5, 2021 at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, IN with Pastor Jeremy Sarber officiating. A Gathering of family and friends will be 1 hour prior to the start of service from 10:00 am to 11:00 am in the funeral home. Private inurnment will be at Rice Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial Contributions may be directed to Faith Mission of Elkhart, 801 Benham Ave., Elkhart, IN 46516.

For those whom wish to send a condolence, share a memory or order flowers may do so at www.billingsfuneralhome.com