Richard James Smith was born on February 26, 1954, in San Antonio, Texas, to Richard Moses Smith and Ruth Margaret Clayton.

 

He grew up in Oklahoma City, OK, where he was raised by his mother and father, Overseer T.H. Murrell, to be hardworking, determined, and principled.

 

Richard attended Oklahoma City public schools and graduated from Douglass High School in 1972. He later served in the United States Air Force before earning a degree in Journalism from Trinity University in San Antonio, TX. He eventually settled in Austin, where he carved out a special place in the community.

 

Richard was a man of brilliant intellect and honest character — an artist, activist, actor, poet, reader, writer, thinker, radio and television host, and educator.

 

He approached each of these roles thoughtfully and with an undeniable spring in his step, positively impacting the students he taught and mentored during his years as a substitute teacher with the Austin Independent School District, particularly at LBJ High School.

 

Richard was also a widely listened-to and deeply respected media personality, creating content for Austin Community Television and volunteering with KAZI 88.7 FM Community Radio for decades.

 

For more than 30 years, he hosted his signature program, “Talk Time,” airing on KAZI midnight on Sundays into Monday mornings. He opened each broadcast with the preamble to the United States Constitution and referred to his hour on air as “the last bastion of free speech” in America. Every week, he opened the airwaves to anyone who wished to speak — and he listened, engaging callers and community members with empathy, curiosity, and respect.

 

Richard could happily discuss politics, religion, history, literature, art, and current events for hours. He recited Shakespeare, knew his Bible well, and deeply valued thoughtful conversation. He enjoyed good food and coffee, good friends, and time spent with family. Above all, he loved life.

 

Mr. Smith passed from this life peacefully, at home, on May 5, 2026.

 

Richard was preceded in death by his grandparents, James and Elizabeth Clayton; his parents, Overseer T.H. and Missionary Ruth Murrell; and his sister, Jereline Clack.

 

He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Cynthia Faye Thomas Smith; his children, Tonia Sonnier and Anastasia “Stacey” Smith; his grandchildren, Chandra Jackson, O’Neal Hart, and Cecil Aaron Green; his siblings, Genevieve Corinth Smith, Michael J. Clayton, Mavis Lee Hall, Jacquelyn Marie Thomas, and Elizabeth Ruth Boldien; his uncle, Milford J. Clayton; his aunt, Dorothy J. Gibbs, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, students, listeners, and community members whose lives he touched over the years.