Charles Ronald (Ron) Smith, 74, of Richmond, Kentucky, passed away on Saturday, March 13, 2021. He died unexpectedly while tending to his back yard. He was born on March 17, 1946 in Oden, Arkansas to the late Frank and Audie (Forbes) Smith. A native of Arkansas, his career with and passion for the U.S. Forestry Service took him to Louisiana, Georgia, back to Arkansas, and then to Kentucky, where he retired. He then worked doing free-lance timberland appraisals.
Ron was a devoted husband of 54 years to his cherished wife Joyce (Morgan) Smith, formerly of Dermott, Arkansas. They enjoyed fellowship at Richmond First United Methodist Church, where he was known for helping in the kitchen. Many who knew Ron have enjoyed his smoked ribs. Ron loved adventure! He fought forest fires out west all through his career with the Forest Service. He went on hunting trips with friends and family and especially enjoyed several fishing trips to Joe’s Salmon Lodge in Canada. He and his wife were always planning their next cruise. His neighbors were often subjected to unannounced fireworks, no occasion necessary! His hobbies included golfing, gardening, reading, and cooking. He made a priority of spending time with those he loved.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents and his two older brothers, Carl Smith and Ed Smith. He is survived by his wife Joyce (Morgan) Smith, younger brother Mike (Brenda) Smith of Benton, Arkansas, a sister-in-law, Helen Smith of Oden, Arkansas; daughters Kimberly (Bobby) Jessup of Roanoke, Virginia, Angela (Greg) Ivey of New Salisbury, Indiana, Grandsons Blake Evans, Logan Evans, and Elijah Ivey, and numerous nieces and nephews.
There will be a memorial service held on Sunday, June 13, 2021 at the Polk Creek Farm Homestead at 2 p.m..
A funeral service was held at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 20, 2021 at Oldham, Roberts & Powell Funeral Home with Rev. Bruce Nettleton officiating. Visitation was from 3:00 p.m. until the time of service on Saturday.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Chestnut Foundation. To make a donation, please visit:
https://support.acf.org/donate/tributes
You can also mail a check to the Kentucky chapter at:
Treasure: Robert Griffin 15075 Violet Road Crittenden, KY 41030-9622. Please make checks payable to the KY Chapter of the American Chestnut Foundation.
