Richard Lee Smythers

Richard “Dickie” Smythers, born July 30, 1946, to the late Vivian and Ethel Smythers, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2026. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Grace Smythers; his parents, Vivian and Ethel Smythers; his brothers, Kenny and Bobby Smythers; and his nephew, Kenny “Buck” Smythers. He is survived by his sister, Carol Bowen (Jimmy). A longtime resident of St. Mary’s County, Richard was well known throughout the community for his work with RVs and for being the trusted “crab man” to many country music artists. He proudly owned and operated Tri-County RV, formerly known as Dick’s RV, for many years before his retirement. Richard later found love again and married his beloved wife, Joan, on September 19, 1997, and together they built a life full of cherished memories. They shared a love for rodeos, NASCAR, and camping trips across the country, always side by side. Their bond was unwavering, and they remained devoted to one another until the very end. He was a loving father to Kerry Trossbach, Tonya Vance (Roger), Crystal Flanary, and Amy Bice (Greg). He was a proud grandfather to Steven, Kyle, Chris, Grace, Jailynn, and Easton, and a great-grandfather to Owen and Fealynn. Richard carried many titles in his life, but his favorite was being “Pop Pop Popcorn,” to his grandson Easton. From the moment he saw the sonogram, he lovingly called him “Pop Pop’s boy.” From doing the night shifts when he was a newborn to toting him along to the Hollywood Moose Lodge for lunches multiple times a week just to show him off, their bond was something truly special. Even as his health and memory declined, he never failed to ask about him—what he was doing, how he played in his ball games, and to spend time together. That love never faded. Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing Richard is now at peace in the presence of the Lord, free from pain and suffering. His faith and the love he shared with those around him will continue to live on in all who knew him. The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 7, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD. Where a Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM with Pastor Chris Owings officiating. Interment will follow in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, MD. Pallbearers will be Greg Bice, Roger Vance, Tommy Alvey, Travis Case, Tony Montfort, and Jason Welch. Honorary pallbearers are Bill Manning and Easton Bice. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake – Charles County, whose compassionate care and support meant so much during this time. Condolences may be made to the family at www.mgfh.com. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home and Cremation Services, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.