Ronald Smith (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Ronald James Smith, son of Elmer James and Helen Weatherbee Smith, was born February 1, 1935, in San Francisco, California. He departed this life Sunday, May 8, 2011, in St. John’s Hospital, in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of seventy-six years, three months, and seven days.
On August 7, 1955, he was united in marriage to Frances Junetta Shelby, and to this union four sons were born.
His parents preceded him in death.
Ronald is survived by his loving wife of fifty-five years, Frances, of the home; four sons, Ronald Smith, and Linda Lea Weber, of Antioch, California, Alan Smith, Kenneth Smith, and his wife, Anita, all of Lebanon, Missouri, and Gary Smith, and his wife, Robin, of Newport News, Virginia; six grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; a sister, Barbara Coats, of Loomis, California; a brother-in-law, Robert Lewis, of Yakima, Washington; several nieces and nephews; his special friends, Johnny Harris, and David Harris, both of Wheaton, Missouri, Debbie Harris, and Karen Larkin, both of Springfield, Missouri; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
He was born and raised in the San Francisco bay area, and then traveled across the country to Michigan when he was twelve years, to live with an uncle. At the age of sixteen, he entered the military and served in the United States Navy during the Korean War. He continued to serve his country until the age of twenty-one, when he returned to California where he and Frances made their home and lovingly raised their sons. He was employed by Pacific Gas and Electric for twenty-three years, and also worked as a shoe salesman. In 1978, he and Frances moved to Lebanon, Missouri, to enjoy their retirement years, and Ronald operated the Competition Store for a few years.
Ronald had professed his faith in Christ at an early age at Twin Peaks Baptist Church in California, where he had been active in the R.A. program. He later was the superintendent of the training union at Bethany Baptist Church in Pacifica, California. Since moving to Lebanon, he was a member of First Baptist Church in Lebanon.
He was presented the John A. Britton Award for distinguished service by the Pacific Gas and Electric Company, for coming to the aid of a gentleman in cardiac arrest. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and had served on the Board of Directors at Hughes Senior Center in Lebanon. He was a dedicated lifelong blood donor, had served as a Boy Scout leader in Pacifica, and was very service oriented. In his spare time he enjoyed fishing and playing Bingo. His family was very important to him and he liked spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Ronald was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, brother, and uncle, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and know that he will be fondly remembered as a devoted family man, a proud military man, and a true Christian friend.
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