Richard Plannington Smith Jr.

Richard Plannington Smith, Jr., 71, passed away Sunday, December 23, 2018.  He was born September 29, 1947 in Avery County to the late Richard Plannington Smith, Sr. and Lucille Helen Whittington Smith.  Richard was a member of Grapevine Baptist Church.  He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and later served in the U.S. Army Reserve.   He enjoyed fishing, astronomy, flying remote controlled airplanes and spending time with his grandkids.  Surviving is his wife, Mary Smith; children, Kay (Scott) Doub, Tammy Wilkins; grandchildren, Eric McKnight, Ian Smith, Lizzy Wilkins; sisters, Carolyn (Melvin) Cummings, Shirley Rule, Connie (Darrell) Stanley, Allisa Johnson; brothers, Howard Smith, Fred Smith; and several nieces and nephews.  His memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 29, 2018 at Grapevine Baptist Church by the Pastor Ronnie Comer.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service on Saturday from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the church.  The family would like to thank Mountain Valley Hospice, VA, family and friends for all the love and care shown to Richard.  Gentry Family Funeral Service is serving the Smith family.  Online condolences can be made at www.gentryfuneralservice.com.