Ronald N. Smith, 72, of Greenville, died Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in O'Fallon with his family at his side.
A Celebration of Life will be celebrated on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church with Pastor Jeffery Nehrt officiating. Donnell-Wiegand Funeral Home in Greenville is assisting the family.
Mr. Smith was born Dec. 2, 1946, in Taylorville, the son of Earl and Melba (Brown) Smith. He married Nancy Stone, and she survives.
He grew up with his family working on their farm in Stonington before attending college at the University of Illinois with a major in agriculture education.
During his senior year, he met the love of his life on a blind date, which went well because they were inseparable from that first date on.
After graduating college, he married Nancy and began his teaching career. He settled in Greenville, working at the high school as the agriculture teacher for many years before becoming a guidance counselor for the school.
His favorite thing to do was to help people find and pursue their passions and support the community any way he could. After retiring from the high school, he spent his time as a member of the school board, Optimist Club and working with the local community college.
An active member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, he loved spending his free time with his family, friends, playing golf, bowling and cheering for his beloved St. Louis Cardinals and U of I teams.
In addition to his wife of 50 years, he is survived by his son, Aaron, daughter-in-law, Brook; grandchildren, Quinn and Jude; and sister-in-law, Martha Smith.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepfather, Charles Durbin and brother, Jerry Smith.
In his memory, the family prefers new or gently used tools which will be directed to the Greenville High School shop program, or donations may be made to Donnell-Wiegand Funeral Home or Our Redeemer Lutheran Church for the Greenville High School FFA.
Online condolences may be left at www.donnellwiegand.com.
