Ron Anthony “Smitty” Smith, 63, an icon of Oquawka, Illinois, died at home Friday, June 19, 2026.
Smitty was born August 22, 1962 in Monmouth, Illinois, the son of James Milford and Wava Maxine (Thompson) Smith. Smitty was a go to man in Oquawka to get something fixed or job completed around the house. He loved spending time outdoors fishing and kayaking.
He is survived by two brothers, Jon (Carrie) Smith of Oquawka and Lon (Barb) Smith of Biggsville, Illinois; one nephew, Justin Smith of Roseville, Illinois; two nieces, Kerry Spangler of Fort Madison, Iowa and Nicole Spangler of Bushnell, Illinois; and three great nieces. Ron was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother Don “Rocky” Smith.
Cremation will be accorded with private family burial at the Oquawka Cemetery, Oquawka, Illinois. A celebration of life for Smitty will start at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 11, 2026 at Mama’s Place, 1002 N. 7th Street, Oquawka, Illinois. Arrangements have been entrusted to Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Oquawka, Illinois. Memorial contributions may be made to the family in care of Jon Smith. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
