Richard ("Soap") A. Smithson, age 84, passed away on Monday, June 22, 2020 in Nashville, TN.
Rich was preceded in death by his parents, Howard Smithson and Mildred Dalton Smithson; his daughter Kimberly O’Shaughnessey; the mother of his children Joyce Haldeman; and brothers Bob and Howard Smithson. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Peggy Lee Popplewell Smithson; son R. Douglas Smithson (Beth) and his children Taylor and Jack; daughter Kimberly’s sons Brendan and Nicholas; step-daughter Jennifer Garcia (Manuel) and her son Landon; step-daughter Carrie Garcia and her children Erick, Gabrielle, and Alex; brother Fred Smithson; and 5 great-grandchildren.
Rich lived in Ashland City, TN with his wife. He was born in Upper Deerfield, New Jersey, on December 30, 1935, and after high school, pitched for Philadelphia Phillies Minor League Baseball for 7 years. During a 40 year career in the glass production and recycling industries, he managed factories and production regions at Owens Illinois, Anchor Glass, and Strategic Materials.
Rich’s family remembers him as a proud, hard-working man who loved to tell stories and who enjoyed boating, dogs, and collecting antique clocks. He will be missed by family and friends.
The family chose cremation and are planning a graveside service in New Jersey. Cheatham County Funeral Home 615-792-2552 online condolences: cheathamcountyfh.com
