Ronald Dwane Smith, 90, passed away Saturday, October 5, 2024. He was born in Rittman, Ohio, on November 28, 1933, to the late Blakney B. Smith and Elizabeth M. Barcus. He married Inez Mae (Polley) Smith on January 31, 1953, and she preceded him in death on September 20, 1975.
Ron attended Rittman High School where he played basketball and ran track. Then he went to work at the Ohio Brass Company at age 16 in Barberton and retired from the Brass after 39 years in 1989. He joined the US Navy Reserves at age 18 following school, where he was active for 2 years. He lived his life in Rittman, Wadsworth and Crestline-Mansfield.
He appreciated the outdoors, especially hunting and occasionally fishing. He had a soft spot for animals and had a dog named Champ for many years. He had a strong joy for sports, especially basketball, football and golf. He was a strong fan of the Indians and Cavaliers. Ron was a guy that could fix anything, build anything and make anything work. He was the handiest of all handymen. He could repair a car or do any maintenance. One of his favorite things after retirement was to make trips to different casinos. He loved his slot machines.
Ron was preceded in death by his wife of 22 years and mother of his children, Inez Mae Smith-Polley; brothers, Ernest Smith (Doris and Eleanor) and Lawrence Smith (Esther); sisters, Marvallis Hatch (Merrill) and Becky Rowley (Tom) of Utah. He is survived by his daughters, Pamela Dack (Dennis) of California, Sandra Smith (Michelle) of Mt. Gilead; son, Rodney Smith (Jan) of Florida; five grandchildren, Adrienne Saathoff (Roni), Hilary Muiter (Trent), Stacy Cox (Dean), Brittany Hennessy (Nick), Chase Smith; and two great-grandchildren, Grayson and Brayden. A special thank you to David Smith for all your support and help in Ron’s later years. The family would also like to recognize the Seamans family for many years of love and companionship with Ron.
The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00 p.m. on Monday October 14, 2024, at the Wappner Funeral Directors-Ontario, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road, Ontario, Ohio. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. He will be laid to rest in Mansfield Memorial Park.
