Ronald D. Smith 89, of Bolivar, passed away Monday, May 1, 2023, at Hennis Care Centre in Bolivar following a period of declining health. Born January 31, 1934 in Massillon, he was a son of the late Felix and Dorothy (Quest) Smith.
Ronald retired from Babcox and Wilcox after 31 years and then painted area homes. He was a member of the Tusky Valley Ruritans, the Tusky Valley Booster Club and enjoyed coaching area kids in football, baseball and basketball. He also enjoyed being an umpire and referee for the younger generation. He played in Stark County baseball and basketball leagues and made it through the first round try-outs with the Cincinnati Reds. He also served as manager from day one at the Commons Pool in Bolivar. Ronald grew up in the Massillon Canton area and organized both the reunions of his McKinley High School class as well as the reunions of the neighborhood he lived as a child.
Ronald is survived by his wife of 65 years, the former Anita Randulic, whom he married August 15, 1957. Also surviving are his 3 children Debra Menges Roulston of Alliance, Kathy (John) Christman of Bolivar and Pam (Tim) Titus of Salem, W.Va.; 4 grandchildren Amber (Mark) Miller, Alex Menges, Zach (Tammie) Christman and John Christman; 3 great grandchildren Avianna, Addison, Ava and a half sister Joan (Gary) Caviness of New Philadelphia.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter Renee Susan Smith, a brother Gerald Smith and 2 sons in law Terry Menges and Gary Roulston.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 6, 2023, at 11:00 AM at the Lebold-Smith Funeral Home in Bolivar. Pastor Bill Eckert will officiate, and burial will follow in Fort Laurens Cemetery in Bolivar. Friends may call Friday from 5 to 8 PM at the funeral home. To share a memory, please visit the funeral home’s web site.
Lebold-Smith
330-874-3113
www.smithfuneral.com