Ronald Smith's Obituary
Maj. Ronald Albert Smith US Army Ret.
Born in Bell CA. January 26, 1939 and died April 20, 2013 of Lymphoplasmacytic Lymphoma attributed to Agent Orange. He moved to Washington as a child, moved to Washington DC, then back to Washington State and lived in Outlook, Sunnyside, and Wapato where he graduated from High School and met his wife, Vertie Cleavenger. They were married in 1959 the same year Ron joined the US Army. He retired from the US Army after 20 years of service which included a tour in Germany, 2 in Vietnam and final tour in Korea. He was stationed at several posts stateside. He received many ribbons and awards while in the army that includes a Purple Heart, Bronze Star and many more. After retirement he opened Ron’s Auto Body Restoration for 10 years, worked at Vertie’s Avanti Travel four years and then became Co-owner of Tacoma V-Twin.
Over the years he belonged and held offices in several clubs including Lakewood Eagles, Life Member of the VFW, Clover Park Kiwanis, and Past President of the Tacoma Area Chapter of the Studebaker Drivers Club. Ron restored many Studebakers which received several 1st place and Best of Show awards. Ron was also a member of BBB (Big Bad Bravo Company 4/21st) group of Vietnam retirees. Ron loved his family and had many friends.
He was preceded by his parents Virgil and LaVaughn Smith. He is survived by his wife Vertie of 54 years, Sons: Steve (Brenda), Ernie (Heidi), and Daughter: Ronette (Craig) Lodgard, ten grandchildren: Christopher (Cathy) Smith, Shane (Jessica) Oneill, Emma, Colton, Annalisa, Grace, Jacob, and Olivia Lodgard, Collin and Neal Burton and several children he considered grandchildren. In addition, Ron is survived by a brother Jimmie Smith, many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and his cat Max and many close friends he considered family, these people know who they are. He will be missed by all.
A celebration of his life will be held at the AMVETS Hall on May 19th at 6 pm, located at 5717 S. Tyler St. A Military Service will be held at the Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent WA. Many thanks to all the doctors, nurses and other staff at Madigan Hospital for the respect and excellent care they provided.
Come Join V-Twin Ernie for a beer after he gets off work on Saturday, May 18th and toast his Dad, Ron Smith.
Procession gathering point 56th & M St at 4:30 pm.
Park at Tacoma V-Twin, or the Doo Wop Coffee Shop, Billie B's Bar &
Grill, or the Community Tavern.
Kickstands up at 5:30. Procession leaves for 48th St. Pub / Motorcycle Memorial Park.
Close friends and family will be joining together for Ron's Celebration of Life, on Sunday, May 19th at 6pm at the AmVets hall off 56th and Tyler.
There will also be a Veterans memorial Service at the Tahoma National Cemetery on Monday, May 20th at 11am.
Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home
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