Smalley, Richard B.

Richard B. Smalley - age: 88
(April 18, 1922 to January 09, 2011 )
Resident of Potter Valley, California

Obituary:
Born in Potter Valley, Ca. April 18, 1922 Richard B. Smalley died peacefully at his home on January 9, 2011.
A descendent of the Brower pioneer family of Potter Valley, he was the son of Ted and Dorothy (Brower) Smalley. He graduated from Potter Valley High School in 1939. During his high school years he played in a band, and was active in sports. Upon graduation his first job was with PG&E working on the Pit River Project. When WW II began, he enlisted into the Navy in 1941. He was assigned and served on the destroyer USS Earle between 1941 to 1945, was transferred to the submarine USS Lionfish in 1945, he served on board the USS Sterlet from1945 to 1948. He was a member of the greatest generation of submarine service, a man of enviable character, who unselfishly served his country, his friends, his community with honor and humility. When the war ended Richard traveled back to Potter Valley to start a well drilling business with his father. He then began building custom homes for many families in Potter Valley and surrounding area. He worked for San Hedrin Logging Company for many years. He eventually worked and retired with the Louisiana Pacific Corporation.
On May 31, 1950 Richard married Billie Louise Foster. Together they raised four children. He lived over 80 years in Potter Valley. Richard is survived by his children Michael (Lynn) Foster, Steve (Melodee) Foster, Deborah (John) Vau, and David Smalley. His grandchildren are: Sean & Jodie Foster; Brian, Scott & Stephen Foster; Sarah Smalley Small and 14 great-grandchildren. Survived by his sister Bettie (Smalley) O’Brien, cousin Lucille Purdy and several of his nieces, nephews & cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents Ted and Dorothy Smalley, his brother Thomas, wife Billie and granddaughters Dena Gurley-Vaughan and Baby Foster.
Throughout his life he was an avid sportsman and enjoyed many hunting and fishing trips. He was proud lifetime member of the NRA and believed and supported the second amendment.
Arrangements will be with Eversole Mortuary. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, January 15th at 2 P.M. at the Potter Valley Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family wishes that donations be contributed to the Potter Valley Bible Church and/or Willits Phoenix Hospice. A reception will follow the service at the Potter Valley Bible Church.