Hurthel P. Smith, 86, lovingly known as Smitty, of Richland, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday, October 25, 2001.

H. P. was born to Henry and Anna Belle, September 3, 1915, on a little farm near Heber Springs, Arkansas. He was raised in a loving extended family that centered around the Ozark hills community of Pine Snag.

H. P. was an adventurous young man who traveled by walking and hopping freight trains in his efforts to play baseball and find work during the depression. He claimed that they first put shoes on him when he turned 21. While walking backwards looking at his footprints, he crossed the state line into Texas and was grabbed by a young lady. That young lady, Ruth Lee, became his wife and the pride of his life.

When asked the secret of their 63 years marriage, he was quick to say it was to “Get them young and train them right.” But, his kids, grandkids and church family all knew that Ruth was the real “trainer”. Of no dispute, is that these two hill country young people produced a loving, giving marriage that was idealized by all that knew them.

In the early 40’s, H. P. secured a job with duPont Chemicals. In October ’43, he was transferred to Richland as part of the Manhattan Project. He retired from the Project in 1969 and began a second career as a developer/builder of numerous projects in the Tri-Cities area including Alyson Manor Mobile Estates and El Rancho Reata.

He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed taking and talking about his many fishing trips with family and friends. Much of his last 20 years of life was occupied raising Tennessee Walking Horses. He loved to rib Quarter Horse owners by asking them, “Why would anyone want to ride a truck across the desert when they could be riding a Cadillac.” He enjoyed the mental stimulation of teasing and being teased.

Most of all he loved his family, his church, and every kid he ever met. Hundreds of kids have grown up in First Baptist Church of Richland and enjoyed the friendship and love of Smitty.

H. P. is survived by his loving family; his wife, Ruth; his 2 sons, Jerry and Paul; his brother, Jack; his sister, Sadelle; 6 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; 3 brothers, Hubert, Noah, and Cecil; and 1 sister, Shirley Anne.

Graveside services are being held at Sunset Memorial Gardens at 10:00 a.m. Monday, October 29, 2001, with a memorial celebration of his life at 11:00 a.m. Monday at First Baptist Church, Richland. All are welcome to attend either service. Visitation will be at Einan’s Funeral Home from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Sunday.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Liberty Christian School, 1104 Richmond, Richland, WA 99352.

For many years now, when asked, H. P. has said that his primary desire was to continually walk closer to his Lord. Today he is with Him in Paradise. Thank you Lord, that you allowed such a tremendous man to be a guiding force in our lives for so many years as dad, husband, and friend.