Obituary of James Richard Smith

WEST COLUMBIA-Services for James Richard Smith, 66, of West Columbia, will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, September 29, 2013 at Thompson Funeral Home, Lexington Chapel. The family will receive friends following the service. Memorials may be made to a charity of one's choice. Mr. Smith died peacefully at home after an extended illness with his beloved Labrador "Goosie" by his side on Friday, September 27, 2013. Born in Columbia, SC, he was the son of the late James Elmer and Bessie Gant Smith. He served his country faithfully for 22 years in the Air National Guard, 16 of those years at McEntire Air National Guard. He worked at the South Carolina Department of Transportation over 14 years as an Engineering Technician in the Right of Way Department. He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Susan O. Smith; in-laws, Hasford Ott, Robert Ott, Allen and Sherrell Ott all of Swansea, and Brenda and Bill Bauer of Columbia; and niece, Laura Willingham (Joby) of Irmo.