In Memoriam: Skip Smith

Chris Beytes

Richard “Skip” W. Smith, Jr., former president of the four-generation family business X.S. Smith, Inc., passed away October 19 at home after suffering from cancer. He was just 67.

North Carolina-based X.S. Smith closed its doors in 2012, citing slow business and a tough lending environment, and sold its assets to competitor Rough Brothers (now part of Prospiant). Skip retired from business in 2018 and spent his time playing golf and as a competitive open-ocean sailor. He is survived by his wife, Virginia (Giga); sons Richard and Christopher; sisters Gail and Victoria; and four grandchildren. GT