He was born on June 15, 1935 to Leonard Karl Smith and Charleron Gladys (Coffin) Smith in Dearborn, Michigan. He was raised as an only child by his father and stepmother, Mary (Yuhasz) Smith, after his mother passed away when he was 1 and 1/2 years old. Ron enlisted into the Navy at the age of 17, and his father passed away during his 4 year tour. After being honorably discharged from the Navy, he moved to Greeley, Colorado with friends, and in June 1959, met Beatrice June Bailey. They married in August 1959, and had 6 children. They separated ways after nearly 20 years of marriage. He enjoyed bowling, and did league bowling up until 2016, as well as fishing, hunting, and drawing.
He is survived by his 6 children: Ronette Smith, Roger Smith, Eric Smith, Scott Smith, Julie Walker, Trina Tridico and 17 grandchildren.
Visitation will be 10:00 am, Tuesday, May, 18, 2021 at Stoddard Funeral Home with memorial service to begin at 11:00 am, at the funeral home. Interment with military honors will follow in the Linn Grove Cemetery.