David Richard Smith III of Savannah, Ga., formerly of Rye, N.Y., and Wellesley, Mass., died peacefully at home on October 19, 2023, after a courageous two-year battle with ALS.
Born in East Walpole, Ma., in 1958, he was the son of Shirley (March) and David Richard Smith Jr. Rick, as he was known, graduated from Milton Academy and Vassar College and received an M.B.A. from Vanderbilt University.
Mr. Smith enjoyed a successful career in institutional investment management as a portfolio manager, retiring in 2022 from DWS Investments in New York as a Managing Director. He previously worked at MFS Investments in Boston and Salomon Brothers in Atlanta and New York.
A man of many interests, including music, sports (particularly the Red Sox), travel, and wine, he also loved hiking in the White Mountains, running, golf, and, in more recent years, sailing and squash. He will be remembered as a thoughtful, determined, and witty man, and as someone who cared deeply about his family and friends.
In addition to his wife of 40 years, Melanie Welch Smith, he is survived by his three children, Gardner Richard Smith of Newport Beach, Calif., Eleanor Welch Smith of San Francisco, and Nathaniel Curry Smith of Savannah; and his sister, Sue Smith Bass (Larry) of Bradenton, Fla.
A graveside service was held October 25 at Greenwich Cemetery in Savannah. Family and friends are invited to a memorial service at Christ’s Church in Rye, on Friday, November 3 at 11 a.m. Donations in Rick Smith’s memory may be made to Emmaus House, 18 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31401 or the ALS Association, 1300 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 600, Arlington, VA 22909.
