Richard Smith

James “Richard” Smith, 83, of Villa Rica, passed away on Tuesday, December 26, 2023. He was a beloved figure in the Villa Rica community and co-founder of Don-Rich Ford along with his brother, Donald Smith. He was born on February 14, 1940, the son of the late Carl Reese Smith and the late Reba Mae Walker Smith.

Richard was co-owner of Don-Rich Ford in Villa Rica for more than 50 years. He started his first job in Villa Rica in 1967, as the general manager for the Richard’s Motor Co. Ford Dealership. After purchasing the dealership with his brother Donald, he and his wife Nancy and two children, Bart and Triska, made Villa Rica their home in 1972. Their third child, Blake, was born in 1978. Richard and his wife Nancy are members of the First Baptist Church of Villa Rica, where he actively served on various committees.

Richard was involved in the Villa Rica Schools and the Villa Rica community. Richard encouraged improvements in education, athletics, and the workforce. He was a member of the Villa Rica Lion’s Club, a director of the Bank of Villa Rica, which later became the First National Bank and then Regions Bank. He served many years as the chairman of the Industrial Development Authority. During the Industrial Park’s initial development, he helped bring the first business, Lowes Distribution Center, to the park. He was also on the board of directors for Villa Rica Hospital, Tanner Medical Center and the Tanner Foundation for many years.

In the late 80’s, Richard served on the Villa Rica High School’s Stadium committee to help oversee and finance the first major renovations to the stadium, including the building of the new home stands.  

Richard leaves behind a legacy defined by strength of character and a deep devotion to both family and community.  Prior to his business journey, Richard served in the US Army Reserves, demonstrating his commitment to serving his country. Richard enjoyed fishing and all types of outdoor activities, including relaxing on the lake.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Charles Smith.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Barker Smith; daughter and son-in-law, Triska and Tim Bearden of Carrollton; sons and daughters-in-law, Bart and Katrina Smith of Villa Rica, Blake and April Smith of Bonaire; sister and brother-in-law, Dianne and Bill Fuqua of Carrollton; brother and sister-in-law, Donald and Bekki Smith of Carrollton; five grandchildren, Bryson Smith, Kaili Smith, Brantley Bearden, Reagan Bearden and Clark Smith; several nieces and nephews also survive.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, January 2, 2023 from 1:30 PM until 3:00 PM. Memorial services will be conducted on Tuesday, January 2, 2023 at 3:00 PM from Jones-Wynn Funeral Home Villa Rica Chapel with Dr. Jerry Vines, Dr. Kevin Williams officiating and Mr. Kerry Miller giving the eulogy.

In lieu of flowers, please mail your contributions to Tanner Hospice for Supplies at Tanner Foundation, P.O. Box 695, Carrollton, GA 30112 or call 770-812-GIFT and The American Cancer Society at The American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 and at https://donate.cancer.org 

Messages of condolence may be sent to www.jones-wynn.com Jones-Wynn Funeral Home Inc. and Cremation Services of Villa Rica is in charge of the arrangements. 770-459-3694