Ronald R. Smith

Smith, Ronald R., 73, of Boynton Beach, FL was called to Heaven on April 25, 2020 while in Hospice Care in Boca Raton, FL. Ronald was born in June of 1946, in Youngstown, Ohio, along with his twin brother, Donald, as the youngest of five children of Tavie Lucille Pearce Smith and William Clyde Smith. He spent his formative years in Youngstown and Poland, Ohio, with three older siblings, Martha, Judith, and William Randolph. Ronald graduated from Youngstown State University with a B.S. in Education, and interviewed the next day at International Business Machines Corporation, where he spent most of his 40 year successful business career in Administration. Ronald loved working within the IBM Corporation, where he received many honors and awards. He, and his family, moved with the company from Youngstown to Grand Rapids, Michigan, finally settling in Boca Raton, Florida. Ron never gave up his passion for education and teaching; while working with IBM in Florida he also became an adjunct Professor at Northwood University, where he taught speech and business classes. He also mentored many students there as they sought career advice.
In 1963 Ron married his High School Sweetheart, Sally Elaine Wilson, Paralegal and bookkeeper, and together they built a beautiful life for 56 years, raising two wonderful sons, dragging them EACH from their senior high school graduating classes to a new life, in a new school, in a new town, in a new State. Eventually all was forgiven, and their sons and amazing Daughters-in-Law presented them with “the most perfect grandchildren ever born”.
Ronald loved his family dearly and will be greatly missed by his surviving wife, Sally; his sons; Ronald Christopher Smith (Diane) and Erik Joseph Smith (Suzanne); Daughters-in-Law Diane Penco Smith and Suzanne Piter Smith; Grand Children, Nathaniel Smith, Madeline Smith, Colin Smith and Ashton Smith; his Sister Martha Pierce of Florida; his Brothers, William Randolph (Veronica), Donald (Deborah) of Ohio; his Aunt Mary White( Mervin) of Ohio; His Brothers-in-Law Michael(Gloria) and Glenn(Joyce) of Ohio; Sisters-in-Law Dianne Green and Liz Wilson of Ohio, and Ethel LaBreque of Florida; and scores of cousins, nieces, and nephews all over the Country and World that he dearly loved.
Ronald was predeceased by his Parents; his Sister Judith; his Nephews Don Smith, Michael Smith, and Donnie Manning; Sisters-in-Law Jean Brewer and Jacquelyn Manning; Brothers-in-Law Larry Pierce, Frank Laurie, Harry Wilson, Ed Green, Don Sheeley and Mike LaBreque; and Niece Karen Brewer.
Ronald was an active member of First United Methodist Church in Boynton Beach, and was inspired by the Pastors Parker Bennett and Matt White, and the congregation, his Church Family. He enjoyed presenting readings and prayers when called upon. He made friends wherever he went, and was especially touched by the closeness of neighbors in the Leisureville Community, who called him “the best community citizen”, organizing an almost a “one-man clean-up committee”.
Ron will always be remembered for his generous spirit, wise counsel, strong leadership abilities and his competitive spirit; he enjoyed every get-together with his also very competitive, extended family, always ready for a game of Canasta or Monopoly (especially the bragging rights when he won).
Due to the current gathering restrictions, the family will be holding a celebration of life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, any donation to the Hospice organization would be greatly appreciated.