James Ricky Smith was born in Covington, KY on June 23, 1951, and he entered into eternal rest on Thursday, September 8, 2022 after a short illness.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Rev. Patricia “Trish” Johnson Smith; two sons: Lt. Commander Jeremiah P. (Alexandria) Smith and HM2 Caleb P. (Jennifer) Smith; grandchildren, Colin Smith, Evelyn Smith, and Harper Lee Smith arriving in January 2023. Other survivors include step-mother, Garnetta Scott Smith; sisters, Carol (David) Mains, Glenda (Charles) Cummins; brother, Jonathan E. (Martha Lynn Morris) Smith, Jr.; sisters-in-law, Elizabeth (Steve) Hires, Susan Johnson, Marjorie Johnson, and Linda (Kenny) Smiley; brothers-in-law, Don (Lois) Johnson, John (Barbara) Scott, Jerry (Debs) Scott, and a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He is preceded in death by his father, Jonathan E. Smith, Sr.; mother, Yuelta Fern Flynn Smith; step-sister, Cindy Scott Earle; sister-in-law, Barbara Wickline Smith; his in-laws of Pennsville, NJ: Arde H., and Virginia Johnson, Arde H. Johnson, Jr., and Walter J. Johnson.
Ricky served in the United States Navy from 1969 to 1973, as PO2 ASE. After the Navy, he was an over the road truck driver from 1973 to 1982. Ricky loved music and will be greatly missed by the many friends he made in the bluegrass family. He jammed on Friday nights for more than 20 years at Rosine Barn in Rosine, KY, and for the last four years at Railroad Museum and Community Center in Bulls Gap, TN.
Ricky was a joy to be around. He loved life and lived it to the fullest.
In respect to his service for others, Ricky was able to donate to Case Western University and help future generations learn.
A graveside memorial service will be held at a later date at Sunrise Cemetery, in Cynthiana, KY.