- Date Of Birth: July 15, 1951
- Date Of Death: March 22, 2016
- State: Texas
Richard Julian Smith
July 15, 1951 – March 22, 2016
Santa Rosa, TX –
Richard Julian Smith, longtime resident of Santa Rosa, died March 22, 2016, surrounded by family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Julian and Eve Smith, and is survived by his children, Christopher and Genevieve Smith, one brother Mark (Mary) Smith, one sister Stephanie (Brad) Spencer, two nephews, one niece, and one grand-nephew.
Rick was born in Pekin, Illinois, on July 15, 1951, but he made his home in the Rio Grande Valley shortly after graduating from the University of Texas at Austin in 1973. Settling in Santa Rosa with his new bride, he eventually formed a partnership with his college roommate and, together as Charick Farms farmed several hundred acres in the area. In addition to farming, he worked for and later managed the La Feria Water District.
Many people in the area knew Rick for his kindness and generosity. He especially formed a close friendship with Jose M. (Fluffy) Garza, wife Dora, daughters, Christa, Griselda (G.G.), and Bianca, as well as granddaughter Jasmyn, who became his second family.
After a serious illness, he retired in the Fall of 2014, but he continued to keep his strong relationship with the land and local farmers.
