Richard L. Smith (aka Dick), 86, passed away on September 26, 2019. Dick was Emeritus Professor of Industrial Engineering in the School of Computing, Informatics, and Decision Systems Engineering at ASU. Dick attended Southwest Baptist College where he met the love of his life, Dixie Lou Koenig. While attending Washington University in St. Louis, he earned his undergraduate degree in Industrial Engineering. He acquired a job as a "flight test engineer" at McDonnell Aircraft. Upon graduation, Dick accepted a position at Battell Research Institute in Columbus, Ohio. While in Columbus, he attended Ohio State University, earning his masters degree of Industrial Engineering. He, his wife and two young children, then made their way to Arizona where their third child was born. Richard began working for the newly established GE Computer Department. Upon the recommendation of his peers, he decided to pursue his PhD at ASU. He came to ASU in 1967 and retired in 1999. As a professor he related well to his students. He provided an open door policy to assist and/or offer direction for his students' future endeavors. His passion was teaching at ASU, but he also provided his knowledge and expertise to businesses and corporations. Dick was in demand in the Valley of the Sun as a Systems Engineer to help both small businesses/corporations adjust to the rapid growth in the computer industry. He consulted with and helped design a new system for Samaritan Health in their hospitals. Due to that experience, he was asked to do the same service for ASU. Some of his favorite projects as Department Chair were to develop the Corporate Leaders Program, an alliance between ASU, Thunderbird, and cities in Mexico. He was able to transmit his classes to Mexican universities. The Corporate Leaders Program brought local corporations and grad students together. This project helped the grad students as well as brought funds into ASU. Dick was awarded LEAD, IE FELLOWS, and was Teacher of the Year three times. Under his watchful eye the ASU IE department became one of the top schools in the nation. While at ASU, Dick consulted with UNIDO (UN provision in underdeveloped countries), and contributed his Systems Engineering for the twin towers. He served on the local Tempe Union High School (TUHS) board for eight years. Dick received several awards and accolades throughout his entire life. He provided and contributed to ASU, businesses and TUHS with innovative ideas and programs. Dick is survived by his wife, Dixie, two sons, a daughter, three grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Memorial Services were held on October 7, 2019 at Grace Community Church of Tempe in Lamb Chapel. A private family burial service was held at Green Acres Cemetery.  (Source: legacy.com)