Richard E. Smith

Elected:       April 9, 1994

Inducted:    June 24, 1994

Family:        Born January 21, 1935 in Cleveland, Ohio.  Married June 11, 1955 to the former Patricia Sullivan and together they have raised two daughters, both of whom have been involved with the family towing business.

History:      Like so many others, Rich came into towing through the service station business which he entered in 1961 when he operated a single tow truck.  Although he still operates that same Sunoco station, his towing and recovery fleet has grown to 38 units including heavy duty, carriers, tractor trailers and air cushions.  Rich was President of the Ohio Towing Association for 5 years, where he also served on the Board of Directors.  OTA honored him with its Tower of the Year award for outstanding service to his community.  Later, he was instrumental in the merger of the Ohio Towing Association and the Professional Tower of Ohio into the present Towing & Recovery Association of Ohio, which he has served as Director for the period of 1991-1993.   Over the years, Richard has worked tirelessly through the several Ohio associations to improve the industry and then, worked to consolidate those associations into one for a more effective voice for the tower.  Richard is indeed a Friend of Towing and deserves his place in The Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame.

DECEASED – February 22, 2006