Right Worshipful Brother Richard L Smith graduated from Normandy High School in St. Louis , MO in 1951. He continued his education at Washington University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1964.

Right Worshipful Brother Smith was initiated in Rose Hill Lodge #550 (now Polar Star-Rose Hill Lodge #79) in 1974 where he served as Master in 1981 and in 1992. He also holds membership in Benjamin Franklin Lodge #642 in St. Louis . He has served as Chairman of the Committee on Masonic Education; as President of the Midwest Conference on Masonic Education; as President of the Scottish Rite Club of St. Louis; as a Board member for the Walker Scottish Rite Clinic for Children with Language Disorders; and as and President of the Square Club of St. Louis. He is currently a member of Moolah Shriners, St. Louis and the Scottish Rite where he received the 33rd Degree and has served as Past Master of Kadosh, and on  the boards of the NEMO Scottish Rite Club and the Scottish Rite Foundation of Missouri.

Besides these memberships, Right Worshipful Brother Smith is a member of National Sojourners and Hero's of '76; The Order of Eastern Star #120; and served as Associate Guardian of Bethel #4, The International Order of Job's Daughters.

His service to the Grand Lodge includes being a member and Past Master of the Missouri Lodge of Research; Director of the Grand Lodge Achievement Award; serving as the current Chairman of the Grand Master's Breakfast Committee in St. Louis ; and served as a board member for The Masonic Home of Missouri. His service to the community includes being past president of the Sales and Marketing Council - Branch of St. Louis Home Builders Association; and a past member of the Missouri Association of Mortgage Professionals.

Right Worshipful Brother Smith and his wife June have a son, Benjamin W. Smith who is also a member of Polar Star-Rose Hill #79, a daughter, Holly A. Pavey, and two grandchildren.