Richard L. "Dick" Smith ’49  passed away Thursday, June 17, 2010, at the Elizabeth House. A native of San Diego, Calif., he was born March 12, 1926, son of the late Walter D. and Mayme A. Smith. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Norma Jean. A graduate of St. Augustine High School, San Diego, Calif. and later Santa Clara University, he held degrees in electrical and mechanical engineering. His entire professional career was with General Electric which took him from coast to coast and included two relocations to Hendersonville. He retired from the New York City corporate office in 1986 and moved to Keowee Key, S.C., returning to Hendersonville in 1998. He served his country with the Army Signal Corps at Fort Monmouth, N.J., and was stationed at the weather observatory atop Mount Washington, N.H. Vacationing with his entire family throughout the years brought particular enjoyment. Interests included sports, home and gardening projects, birds, photography and sharing his many talents with others. He was the historian for the Apple Country Woodcrafters for many years and thoroughly enjoyed contributing to its annual Christmas toy drive for children in need.  He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Elizabeth A. (Betty Shay); their three children whom they reared here in Hendersonville, Deborah Adams of San Jose, Calif. and her husband, Peter, Kathleen Brown of Wickford, R.I. and her husband, Win, and David Smith of Helena, Mont.; a sister, Patricia A. Weseloh of Oceanside, Calif.; five grandchildren, Sarah and Michael Adams, Cate, Brad, and Kelsey Brown.