Ronald Edwin Smith

Ron Smith was born in Decatur, Alabama on January 24th, 1949 to Mardis C. and Marie (Burks) Smith.

He grew up in Memphis, TN and loved to hunt and fish. Ron earned a Business Degree from Memphis State University, graduating in 1973.

He joined the United States Army in 1970 and remained in the Army reserves. While in Memphis, he met the love of his life, Diane Graybeal, and the two were married on December 26th, 1970.

Ron had a distinguished career working in the leather manufacturing industry for Chambers Belt Company, for over 25 years. He worked as a production manager, rising to the title of National Sales Manager. His knowledge of the industry led him to found his dream business, The American Leather Company of Arizona, in Old Town Scottsdale.

After his retirement he enjoyed keeping up with the current happenings of his grandchildren and spending time with family.

Ron is preceded in death by his father Mardis C. Smith and his mother Marie B. Smith. He leaves behind his wife of 51 years Diane Smith; son Garrett Smith (Tara); grandchildren Cassandra Smith and Jack Smith; daughter Erin Smith Schelthoff (Bill); grandchildren William Schelthoff and Scarlett Schelthoff; sister-in-law Terry G. Graybeal, brother-in-law Nicholas C. Graybeal (Kate) and nephews Hunter Graybeal (Michelle) and Brandon Rogers, of Tennessee.

A Celebration of Life for Ron will be held in 2022 at a date still to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to A Soldier’s Best Friend using the link below.

https://soldiersbestfriend.org/how-to-help/donate.html