Orra Smith “Smitty” Slade III, 72, of Richmond, died Sunday, May 24, 2020, at Centerpoint Medical Center, Independence.

Smitty was born on May 9, 1948, in Excelsior Springs, the son of Orra Smith and Lillie May (Rowan) Slade Jr. He was united in marriage to Sheila Ann Foxworthy of Kearney in November of 1976; they later divorced.

Smitty leaves behind a son, Johnathan (Tricia) Slade of Richmond; grandchildren, Jacob and Jonah Slade; stepson, Brian Langford of Mathiston, Mississippi; two stepdaughters, Sherry Halterman and Tammy (Bruce) Edwards, both of Mayben, Mississippi; six step-grandchildren, Conner Langford, Brooke Langford, Terasa Harpole, Jessica Skinner, Harlie Edwards and Finlie Edwards; four step-greatgrandchildren; three sisters, Kathy Slade, Karen Slade and Kimberly Dodson, all of Richmond; nephew, Justin Dodson; and cousin, lifelong best friend John Hayes.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Smitty was reared and educated in the area of his birth. He graduated from Richmond High School and attended college at MU in Columbia. Smitty farmed his entire life in the Missouri River bottoms and some in the hills. He was a member of the Knoxville Community Church; a member of Richmond Masonic Lodge 57, A.F. and A.M.; the Richmond Shrine Club; and the Ararat Shrine in Kansas City. Smitty enjoyed pheasant, quail and mushroom hunting. He loved watching Westerns and reading, especially his Bible.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Knoxville Community Church. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 E. Main St.-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.

Smitty lay in state from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 28, 2020, at Thurman Funeral Home, Richmond. Graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 29, 2020, at Richmond Memory Gardens. Ceremonies entrusted to Thurman Funeral Home, Richmond.

Please remember to share your memories of Smitty with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.