Ronald Edwin Smith

Born January 3, 1946, to Harold E. and Rosella N. (Ishmael) Smith, he attended Virden schools, graduating with the class of 1964. He married Jacqueline “Jackie” Stoffel on September 7, 1968, in Shawneetown, IL.

He retired from the Springfield Cook Street Post Office in 2007 after 26 years. A proud union man, he served as President of Lincoln Land Area 239 for more than 18 years.

He was a loyal fan of the Kansas City Chiefs since 1968, and also enjoyed watching the Illini, Bulls and Cubs. He was fair-minded and treated everyone the same. A proud Democrat, he would not stand by seeing unfair treatment of others. He described himself as a fiscal conservative and a social liberal. People who knew him were aware he had a lot of opinions and wasn’t afraid to share them.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Helen Smith and Judy Bess Dyer; and brother-in-law, Butch George.

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Jackie; adored children, Robert C. Smith, Jill M. Smith Giddings, and Danny L. Bess; best buddy grandson, Tyler Giddings; sister, Barb George; special friend, Karen Knudsen; fur baby, Nova; and several nephews and nieces.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield.

Funeral Ceremony: 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 2, 2026, at Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, with Celebrant Judy Woerner officiating. Burial will follow at Virden Cemetery.

Memorials suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.