Ronald Smith passed away peacefully on April 27, 2023 at the age of 87 with his family by his side. Ron was born in 1935 in Long Beach, California, where his father was stationed in the US Navy. The family moved to Dade City, Florida in 1948. Ron, his father and 3 brothers built their house in Dade City, which was surrounded by their orange grove. He graduated from Pasco High School in 1953, where he played the coronet in the band. After graduation, he joined the US Navy. Two years later, he was appointed to the US Naval Academy in Annapolis where he met his first wife, Regina. They were married after graduation, and Ron began his 20 year career as an officer in military intelligence, with many tours of duty onboard navy aircraft carriers. He sailed in Asia, including during the Vietnam War. Ron and Regina were married for 28 years, and had 2 daughters. After his 20 years of service, he retired from the navy and earned his MBA. He then worked for companies managing transportation and logistics, and in real estate. Ron later met and married Esther. They were married for 20 years before her passing in 2021. After her death, he moved to Delaware to be closer to his two daughters.

Ron enjoyed working with computers, model railroading, drafting, woodworking, golf, bowling, painting, reading, and listening to classical music.

Ron is pre-deceased by his parents Willard Smith and Naomi Smith (Price), his brothers Raymond Smith, and Jerry Smith, his wife Esther, and ex-wife Regina. He is survived by his brother Eugene Smith, daughters Laura Smith (Joseph Abdul-Masih) and Cheryl Hodge (Dennis), grandchildren Michael Abdul-Masih (Ana), Maria Abdul-Masih, Rebecca Hodge, and Kelly Hodge.

Ron will be interred at the Delaware Veteran’s Cemetery in Bear, DE.