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Ricky Lee Smith (Rick) was born August 5, 1958, to Richard Eugene and Maxine Carol (Magwire) Smith in Cheyenne Wells. He had two older brothers, Ron and Mike, to welcome him home. Later two sisters joined the family, Vickie and Jeannie, and two stepsiblings (cousins) Jerry and Cindy Uhland.

Rick attended Cheyenne Wells school and graduated in 1976. Throughout school, he played football and track, and was part of the first football team that went to a state championship. He went to state in track, placing in multiple events. He was also the editor of the school yearbook.

After graduation, Rick joined the Navy and served four years of active duty. As a Naval Reservist, he completed his degree in Geriatric Administration from UNC in Greeley. He was called to serve in the Gulf War, and was a medic in Kuwait.

Rick, along with his business and life partner Chris Gradford, was a small business owner and entrepreneur. They opened Studio Lights in Denver, where they also provided wigs for cancer/chemo patients throughout the Denver area. One of his highlights while living in Denver was purchasing a home from actor Gary Coleman.

Rick and Chris transferred their business and moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, in 2019. His hobbies and interests were cars, pets, and gardening. Rick loved to tell stories, and had an exceptional sense of humor. He was very loving, caring, and was a proud veteran.

After a lengthy illness, Rick died September 5, 2025, in Las Vegas. He was preceded in death by his grandparents; parents, Maxine and Richard Smith; brother, Jerry Uhland; uncle Bob Kern; and cousin, Rayme Kern.

Rick is survived by partner, Chris Gradford; brothers, Ron (Diana) Smith, and Mike (Mitzi) Smith; sisters, Vickie (Mike) Terpening, and Jeannie Smith; aunt, Sue Kern; uncle, Ron (Dianne) Magwire; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; and his beloved pet dog, Toby 2.

Funeral services are pending.

Arrangements are under the direction of Brown Funeral Home.