Russell Frederick Smith

"With any kind of luck."

Russell Smith, 76, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, was called to his eternal resting place on October 19, 2025. He entered this world on November 10, 1948, in Corpus Christi, Texas, born to Willard and Berna Smith.

Russell's childhood was spent in Texas and Louisiana before the family settled in Albuquerque, where he graduated from Del Norte High School, Class of 1966. He studied chemistry for several years at the University of New Mexico before briefly moving back to Texas to work alongside his brother, Robert, with the Texas Department of Corrections. He returned to Albuquerque following his father's passing.

Russell's lifelong interest in chemistry, science, and photography led to a successful career at Sandia National Laboratories, where he met his beloved wife, Karen, in 1970.

Russell and Karen married in September 1972 and later moved to Sandia Park. Together, they designed and built a beautiful home where they welcomed their first two children. Though they eventually sold that house, they remained in Sandia Park and welcomed their third child.

Upon his retirement from Sandia in 2006, Russell and Karen began touring the country as full-time RVers. His goal was to embark on an adventure-reconnecting with relatives, sightseeing, and enjoying a life of rest and relaxation with his wife. Their travels even took them on several cruises, including an Alaskan voyage and a transatlantic journey aboard the Queen Mary 2.

The birth of his grandchildren eventually drew him back to New Mexico. He spent extended stays in Ruidoso and other parts of the state before he and Karen settled once again in Albuquerque in 2018 to be closer to family. Though he missed the open road, Russell filled his final years hosting gatherings, celebrating birthdays and holidays, and cherishing family traditions. He loved cooking and dining out with his family. He transformed the backyard of his rental house by planting fruit trees and starting a vegetable garden. He devoted countless hours to helping homeschool his four grandchildren.

Throughout his life, Russell found joy in learning new things about the world. His curiosity was insatiable, and he delighted in exploring every topic that crossed his path. He had numerous interests and pursuits including Civil Air Patrol, Search and Rescue, Mounted Patrol with NMSP, learning to fly, amateur radio, real estate investments, and stock trading. Never one to keep wisdom to himself, Russell freely dispensed advice to friends and family-sometimes even before they knew they needed it. Unsolicited advice was his love language.

Russell was deeply devoted to his family and leaves behind a lasting legacy of love. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Karen Smith; his son, Rod (Riccarda) Smith; his daughters, Kelly (Josh) Thomas and Audrey (Ty) Gibson; and his grandchildren, Ryan, Rachel, Tula, and Jasper.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Pelican's East, 9800 Montgomery Blvd. NE.