Industry mourns loss of Richard Lee Smith, McKeever’s Price Chopper retiree

The industry lost another “produce man” recently.

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(Image courtesy of Steven Ware, Naturipe)

‘Produce Man’ Richard Lee Smith, a former executive manager of McKeever’s Price Chopper, has died.

Smith died May 11. The youngest of 10 children, he was born on January 17, 1944, in Tennessee. Growing up, he was no stranger to hard work and taking care of family, according to a news release.

Smith eventually landed in Kansas City, where he climbed the ranks at McKeever’s Price Chopper, ultimately retiring as executive manager. People who knew him called him the “Produce Man.” He was known for his desire for everyone around him to be their best, the release said.

After retiring, Smith moved back to Tennessee and bought the North River Pub. His many friends knew him for his generosity, the news release said. He loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing with those close to him.

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