Mr. R. Smith-Bey (aka Richard or R. Bey) was born December 19, 1943, to Mrs. Hallie Fountain Briggs and Mr. Joseph Eugene Smith in Atlanta, GA.  As a very small child, he and his mother moved to New York, and after a couple of years, they settled in Cleveland, Ohio.

In the early 50’s, and because he was an only child, his mother raised him with all the love she could and made sure he never wanted for anything!  She worked hard and educated herself to amazing levels so that her son could have the benefits of a good life.  He attended Cleveland Public Schools.  At the age of 17 years old, he decided to serve his country and joined the United States Army.  After his first tour of duty, and with an honorable discharge, he returned home to Cleveland where he worked several jobs.  None of these jobs really suited his taste, especially the dirty hardworking ones.  He found his niche in life while working at a men’s clothing store as a Salesman and Consulting Coordinator and soon became the top salesman in the business.  He had an amazing flair for style and fashion and had a unique ability to sell “wet outta water.” “The boy was bad!!”  He soon realized that his talents would be better served by joining his mother, who was now a small business entrepreneur.  The two of them put their heads together and branched out into men and women’s fashions.  They were affectionately called “the dynamic duo.” Life moved on, and the street life became a major playing ground for him, where he also excelled, and that’s where the drugs and alcohol became a problem. In April 1989, he became a member of A.A. and C.A., and became a trusted servant.  He watched a man who he knew could help him get better because of his dignity and grace; something he wanted back.  R-Bey loved recovery and his life got better.  At a Founders Day Dance, in June 2004, he met Michelle, fell in love and married her in May 2010.  He also retired from Metro Health Medical Center in 2010.  As a retiree, he enjoyed traveling and playing golf.  A wonderful man with many talents, he was also a bit of a historian and comedian.  He was soft spoken, serious, loving, caring, strong, and an amazing provider.  He was also clean and sober for 32 years.  His life changed when he was diagnosed with Dementia.

In February 2018, he had a very serious car accident which completely crushed the right side of his body.  He did not know if he’d ever walk again, but with God’s help, hard work and determination, he could not only walk, but run also.  In 2020, he was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer, which eventually spread to his spine and brain.  His strength was something to behold.  He never complained, not even at the end of his journey.  His last minutes of life were shared with his wife.  We thank God for the life he was allowed to share with us.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents, Dr. & Mrs. Richard & Louise Fountain; Aunt Emma and Uncle T.J. Smith; uncles, Charles, Henry (Popeye), Horace and John; aunt, Ella Mae and John Farrar; cousin, James T. Smith and stepbrother, Dennis Smith.

He is survived by wife, Michelle Poteete Smith-Bey; life-long friend, Earnestine Moree; son, Richard “Lil’ Ricky” Moree, daughters, Hallie (Marcus Sr.) Bush, Althea Smith, Cynthia (Timothy) David and Tina Petty; step-sons, Ramon, Andrew and Maurice Smith; grandchildren, Larond, Antwan, David, Gregory and Marcus Jr. “Baby Bush” Bush; 7 great grandchildren; cousins, John & Darlene Farrar and children, Justin (Amanda) Tiffany, Crystal (Tarrence) of Bethlehem, PA, Deborah, Sheila, Larry, Menzel, Charlene of New York; brother-in-law, Jimmie L. Younger and nephew-in-law, Christopher M. Younger; his special friend from the Java Shoppee; and a host of relatives and friends.