James Richard "Rick" Smart

After a courageous and well-fought battle with a chronic illness, James Richard “Rick” Smart, age 64, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on January 21, 2025 at Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC. 

Rick was a 1978 graduate of Clyde A. Erwin High School, where at the age of 15, he met his high school sweetheart, Roxie. They later married, marking the beginning of a lifelong journey together.

Rick is survived by his wife of 45 years, Roxie Smart, and their children: Bradley Smart, “The Favorite” (Kristin), Andy Smart, “The Only Favorite” (Jennifer), and Stacie Pedersen, “The Most Favorite” (Dane). Rick, affectionately known as “Pappap,” adored his 8 grandchildren: Harper “Little Gal” Smart, Palmer “Sweet P” Smart, Archer “Arch” Smart, Ethan “It” Pedersen, Enslee “Boo” Pedersen, Elyn “Zimm” Pedersen, Drew “Big’Un” Smart, and a new baby girl Smart, due in March 2025.

Rick is also survived by his mother, Ruby “Mimi” Smart; his brother, Randy Smart (C.J.); and his sister, Cindy Smart. In addition, other people Rick loved dearly are his nephew, Matt “Matty Cakes” Smart, and family friend, Angela “Angie Berrie” Free, along with several nieces and nephews.

Rick was preceded in death by his brother-in-law Rodney Buckner. 

 Rick was an entrepreneur of many talents throughout his working career. Most recently, he owned and operated Smart Insurance Agency in Asheville, NC.

 Rick was a genuine, hard-working, and humble man who never met a stranger. He enjoyed problem-solving and thrived on helping others. Rick never hesitated to share his time and energy with his friends and family. He was an avid outdoorsman, fisherman, and classic car enthusiast. Rick had many hobbies and loved the lake, though he could never quite master backing up a boat trailer in an efficient or happy manner. In June 2024, he was able to take his last fishing trip to the Boundary Waters of Minnesota bringing along his grandsons, Ethan and Archer for the first time. 

 A true passion of Rick’s was youth basketball. His years of coaching left a lasting impact on many. He served as director of the Emma and Erwin Youth Leagues and received the Governor's Award for Community Involvement in recognition of his commitment, and in honor of his dedication, the Emma Elementary School Gym was named after him. Rick developed many life-long friendships through his years of basketball officiating and serving as the basketball assignor of Mountain Area Basketball Officiating Association (MABOA) for several surrounding counties.

 In true Rick fashion, his health battle never prevented him from continuously caring for his family and others even during his most challenging days. The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the many staff and medical professionals for the care he received during his time at Mission Hospital, Asheville, NC, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC, and to the many family and friends who helped along the way. 

 Visitation will be held Friday January 24, 2025 at Anders-Rice Funeral Home in Asheville NC from 3pm to 5pm. A private family gathering will be held at a later date. 

 Anders-Rice Funeral Home and Cremation Center is honored to serve the Smart family.