Obituary of Ronald Willard Smith Sr.

Ronald Willard Smith, was born In Tennessee on August 24, 1945.   He was the son of the late Lonnie H. Smith and the late Nola (Price) Smith.   He enlisted in the United States Army and served his country honorably.  

Ronald moved to Taylor, Michigan and took employment with General Motors Company.   Soon after arriving in Michigan, he would marry the former Barbara Pincheff in 1969.   Ronald supported his family for more than thirty-five years at GM, but after his retirement he happily returned home to Speedwell. 

Ronald loved working on his farm and taking care of his animals.   He enjoyed country music and dancing with his girlfriend Jo Ann.   Ronald enjoyed fishing, woodworking, and if he could be outside or working with his hands he was.   He liked to spend time with his girlfriend, family and friends.

Ronald Willard Smith, age 73, of Speedwell, Tennessee, previously of LaSalle, Michigan passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, November 27, 2018 at his home.   In addition to his parents his passing was preceded by a step-mother:  Ruby Hopper Smith; his beloved wife of thirty-four years:  Barbara; two daughters:  Dawn Marie Frances Smith and Roxanne Smith; and a son:  Ronald Willard Smith Jr.

To cherish his memory, Ronald, leaves two sons:  Kenneth Ronald Smith and Philip Ronald Smith; two daughters:  Rebecca Lynn (Josh) Frank and Sunday Gadberry; siblings:  Janis (Fred) Ratliff, Ann Gent, Debbie Sutton, Joan Brewer, Steve (Barbara) Smith, Bill (Katja) Smith, Anita Smith, and Dean (Rebecca) Smith; four grandchildren:  Briyana Smith, Annie Hatfield, Kacie Gadberry, and Kaiden Smith; and his very special girlfriend:  Jo Ann Smith.

The family will receive friends Saturday December 1st from 12:00pm until 2:00pm at Coffey Funeral Home; 150 Beech Street, Harrogate, Tennessee 37752.   The funeral service will follow at 2:00pm in the Coffey Funeral Home chapel.

Friends may gather from 11:00am until 2:00pm on Monday December 3, 2018 at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161 (734) 241-7070.  A Celebration of His Life will follow at 2:00pm also at Merkle’s with Reverend Roy Southerland pastor of Monroe Missionary Baptist Church officiating.   Procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle for burial where graveside services will be under the auspices of the Monroe Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1138.   

Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or send a floral arrangement by visiting www.merklefs.com.