Ronald Lee Smith, Sr.

He was born on Dec. 21, 1930 in Springfield, the son of the late Stephen Alfred and Myrtle Velma (Laswell) Smith. He married Margaret “Peg” Rogers on June 12, 1952 in Mare Island, CA.

Mr. Smith was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving on board the USS Ashtabula. He was owner of Smitty’s Seat Cover in Jacksonville, IL and was also employed by North American Van Lines. He retired from Our Saviour’s Parish in Jacksonville, IL, where he served as maintenance supervisor. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus #4175, and a founding member of the Jacksonville Area Antique Car Club. His hobbies included a lifelong love of restoring antique automobiles.

He is survived by his wife Margaret; daughters, Karen (husband Gary) Budd of Springfield and Nina (husband William) Dvorak of Madison, WI; sons, Ronald Lee Smith, Jr. of Springfield, Robert (wife Channing) Smith of Peoria, IL, and Roger (wife Gail) Smith of Dawson, IL; 14 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great grandchildren.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by sons, Jon Michael and Kevin Lynn Smith, brothers, Stephen, Allen, John Robert, Russell, and Kenneth Smith, and a sister Donna Baldock.

Services are under the direction of Bisch and Son Funeral Home, 505 E. Allen, Springfield. A memorial mass will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2015 at St. Cabrini Catholic Church, Springfield at 10:30 am. Inurnment will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery, Springfield. Per his wishes, cremation rites were accorded. Celebration of Life will be held in the parish hall immediately following the inurnment.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept 142, Memphis, TN 38101-9908.

Please visit the online “Life Remembered Story” at www.bischandsonfuneralhome.com where tributes and condolences may be left for the family.