J. Paul Smith, 77, of Nokomis, formerly of Ramsey, died on Monday, March 2, 2020, at his home.
Visitation will be held Saturday, March 7, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Ramsey. Memorial services will follow, beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the church with Pastor Jeff Shouse officiating. Miller Funeral Home in Ramsey is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Smith was born Oct. 8, 1942, in Taylorville, to Guy M. and Dorothy Lucille (Griswald) Smith. He married Claudia Diann King on Aug. 16, 1968, in Decatur, and she survives.
He was a farmer and truck driver, having previously worked at Fayette County Jail and as the Ramsey Fire Chief. He also owned and operated Ramsey Dairy Dee.
Mr. Smith was a member of First Baptist Church in Ramsey and former member of the American Legion, Lions Club and school board, all in Ramsey. He was known as the ice cream maker for the entire family.
He served his country in the U.S. National Guard.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Billie Jo (Steve) Kepley of Arcola; sons, Jay Paul Smith of Gifford, Beau Travis (Whitney) Smith of Ramsey and Jerry Lee Smith of Chippewa Falls, WI; 11 grandchildren, Kyle, Kayla, Kolten, Tyler, Brianna, Isaac, Chloe, Kabe, Jessica, Drake, Mya and Parker; one great-grandchild, Mathias; brother, David M. (Terry) Smith of Nokomis; and sister, Ruth Ann (Dr. Robert) Lacey of Nokomis.
Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorials may be directed to the First Baptist Church in Ramsey or Baptist Children’s Home in Carmi.
Online condolences to the family may be left at www.millerfh.net.
