Mr. Ronald W. Smith, 73, of Silvis, Illinois, formerly of New Windsor, Illinois died 1:42 p.m. Sunday, April 26, 2020 at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born December 12, 1946 in Davenport, Iowa to Stuart and Elinor Lee (Flaherty) Smith. He married Nancy Jean Peterson June 26, 1967 in Aledo, Illinois.
Surviving is his wife of 52 years, Nancy Jean Smith, a son, Shea Smith of Silvis, three daughters, Stephenie Smith of Galesburg, Tara (and Chad) Case of Dahinda, and Brandy (and Todd) Greenman of Alpha, Illinois, a brother, Steve Smith of Viola, Illinois, four sisters, Theresa Harrison of Aledo, Chris (and Randy) Cherrington of Coal Valley, Illinois, Jeannie Smith of New Windsor, and Melissa (and Bart) Sorrels of New Windsor, and five grandchildren, Alex Case, Ridge Greenman, Bailee Case, Briar Greenman, and Ganon Greenman. He is preceded in death by his parents and three nieces, Tammy Harrison, Toni Minteer, and Rachel Peterson.
Ron graduated from Winola High School in 1965 and attended Black Hawk Community College in Moline, Illinois. He was a seaman in the United States Navy during Vietnam from 1967 to 1969 and was stationed on the USS New Jersey. He was a welder for John Deere in the cylinder division for 43 years and retired October 29, 2009. He was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Viola. Ron was very active in area sports. He was the former president of Winola Booster Club, Junior Sheriffs Fast Pitch Softball League, and Girls Little Six Softball League. He enjoyed coaching and was the coach for the men’s fast pitch softball team, women’s softball team, Winola 7th and 8th grade football teams, boys and girls basketball teams, Sherrard basketball and football teams, Junior Varsity girls softball team, his son’s basketball team from 4th grade to 8th grade, and his grandson’s 7th and 8th grade basketball teams in AlWood. He also was a referee for several sports for eight years. He was commended on his efforts and appreciated by the community for helping develop the New Windsor Park and baseball diamond. He loved his family and never missed an opportunity to watch them in their school activities. His orneriness will be missed by many.
Due to the COVID pandemic and social distancing, a drive thru visitation and viewing will be 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, 2020 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service Galesburg Chapel. Friends will be asked to stay in their cars to greet the family and will have an opportunity to pay respects to Ron, or as Ron would say, “Lie to him one last time” at the front of the funeral home. As Ron requested, please wear casual attire. Private graveside service will be Thursday, April 30, 2020 at Petrie Cemetery, New Windsor. Father John Burns will officiate. Military Rites will be conducted by the VFW/American Legion and Navy Honor Guard. Memorials may be made to the family to contribute to both AlWood and Knoxville Athletic Departments. Online condolences and photo slide show may be posted and viewed at www.h-p-w.com.
