Richard Wayne ‘Ricky’ Smith, 35, died Thursday, Feb. 25 in Berkeley.

He was born in Oakdale and attended Oakdale High School during his freshman year. He spent most of his life in Modesto.

At the age of 10 he started working with horses. He developed a love and a passion for them that truly became his lifetime dream. Mr. Smith traveled many fairs and racetracks training racehorses. He was very good at what he did and six years ago, he became a licensed exercise rider. He was very well known in the horse racing organization.

He loved life and always had a smile on his face. He touched many hearts and lives, and he will be missed.

He is survived by his mother, Terrie S. Hedden of Turlock; father, Richard E. (Deeann) Smith of Modesto; brother, Glenn Smith of Fresno; stepbrothers, Mike and Frank Smith; grandparents, Robert and Patsy Smith, all of Modesto; niece, Lisa Dawn Smith of Fresno; lifetime friend, Stace Ray of Modesto; and many aunts, uncles and cousins, many of whom live in Oakdale.

A funeral will be at 1 p.m. on Monday, March 15 at River Oak Grace Church. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery, Oakdale. A memorial lunch will be served at River Oak Grace following the burial.