Funeral service for Mr. Richard Joseph Smith, age 56, of Miramar Beach, FL, and Birmingham, AL, will be conducted Tuesday, October 11, 2016 at 1 p.m. at Higgins Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery. Mr. Smith passed away Friday, October 7, 2016, in Sacred Heart Hospital in Miramar Beach, FL. Visitation with the family will be Tuesday, October 11, 2016, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Higgins Funeral Home in Fayetteville, Tennessee.
Mr. Smith was born in Huntsville, AL on January 5, 1960. Richard was the son of Bill and Maneline Smith of Miramar Beach, FL. He was a Christian, baptized, and a member of First Baptist Church of Fayetteville. Mr. Smith had a long and successful career as a director, educator, entrepreneur and business owner. He began his career while in high school by opening and running a salon in Fayetteville. He moved to Birmingham, Alabama and attended Sanford University. He owned Richard Joseph SalonSpa in Birmingham which was voted one of the top salons in the United States by ELLE Magazine, and featured in Town and Country Magazine as a top salon in Alabama. Mr. Smith was a sought after stylist serving celebrities including Vice-President, Al Gore. He had regular guest appearances on television featuring his work.
Mr. Smith served on the advisory board of Aveda Cosmetics and was involved in numerous charitable activities, including the Cahaba River Society. Notwithstanding his success in the business world, he always gave his highest priority to his family. He was ever cheerful and positive, never allowing a negative outlook. He will be greatly missed by so many lives he touched.
Survivors include his life partner Tim Brown of Birmingham, AL and Miramar Beach, FL, parents Bill and Maneline Smith of Miramar Beach, FL, sisters Kandy Barham of Fairfax, VA, Dawn Smith of Hillsborough, CA, brother-in-law Thomas Barham of Fairfax, VA, sister-in-law Margo Smith of Hillsborough, CA, nieces Allison Fuentes, Mary Beth Barham, Sarah Barham, Abigail Barham, Gretta Smith, Gabby Smith, nephews Alex Smith, Ben Smith, nephew-in-law Ben Fuentes and great nephew Dylan Fuentes. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Marvin and Oma Smith, and Pat and Mary Lou Roberts.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in the name of Richard Joseph Smith to the Sacred Heart Foundation, 7700 US-98, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459.
10 Comments To "Richard Joseph Smith"
#1 Comment By Ron & Susan Arrick On October 10, 2016 @ 11:18 pm
So sorry to hear of Mav’s passing. You have our deepest sympathy. We are out of town this week. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
#2 Comment By Gary and Brenda Badenhop On October 10, 2016 @ 11:52 pm
Bill and Madeline, we are so sorry to hear of Mav’s death. You will be in our thoughts and prayers in the days and weeks ahead. God bless your family.
#3 Comment By Carolyn Brooks On October 11, 2016 @ 2:20 am
So sorry to hear this. Have such fond memories of Mav and the Smiths. He was always such a fun little boy!! You are certainly in my thoughts and prayers. God bless and love from the Brooks Family
#4 Comment By Agnes Marie Barnes On October 11, 2016 @ 2:25 am
my thoughts and prayers are with the family.
#5 Comment By Robin Shelton On October 11, 2016 @ 2:58 pm
Never met your son but heard great things if him from Granny when I was in Beauty School. So sorry for the pain you going through right now. I love you both and hope the good memories of your son can carry you through to brighter days.
#6 Comment By Darlene Wiggins On October 11, 2016 @ 4:24 pm
So very sorry to hear about Mav. Praying for peace and comfort for you all
#7 Comment By George and Faye Massey On October 11, 2016 @ 5:01 pm
Billy,
Sorry to hear of your loss. We are thinking of you and your family.
#8 Comment By Joyce Kelso Johnson On October 12, 2016 @ 12:54 am
Maneline, Bill & Girls, I am so sorry for you loss. I knew Mav was sick and kept up with him through friends. Your family will be in my prayers. Prayers are what keep us going in times like this. Love to your family. Joyce
#9 Comment By Mary Alice, Ellison and Susan Brooks On October 12, 2016 @ 5:24 pm
To the Smith Family,
We were so saddened to hear of Mav’s passing. Please accept our heartfelt sympathy in your time of great sorrow. We hope our caring and the beautiful memories will make your sorrow easier to bear.
Sincerely,
Mary Alice, Ellison and Susan Brooks
#10 Comment By Debbie Howard Looman On October 12, 2016 @ 6:51 pm
Madeline, So sorry for your loss. I haven’t seen Mav in many years but have good memories of us playing on Stone Bridge Drive as a child and have thought of him through the years. You and your family will be in my prayers as you go through this sad time. God bless and keep you. Debbie Howard Looman