Ronald Smith Obituary

Ronald Keith Smith VIRGINIA BEACH - Ronald Keith "R.K." Smith, retired captain with the Virginia Beach Fire Department, died in his home June 2, 2010, after a long battle with cancer. Born March 29, 1942, he lived in East Liverpool, Ohio, where he graduated from East Liverpool High School. Ron came to Virginia Beach through his service to his country in the U.S. Navy where he served for eight years as a quartermaster. While here, Ron married the love of his life, Donna, on Aug. 19, 1966. While in Virginia Beach, "R.K." joined the Davis Corner Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad where his fire service began and serving until he achieved life membership. His love for the fire service blossomed into a full-time career beginning in August of 1972 where he rose through the ranks to be a fire captain and served for 25 years until his retirement in September 1997. R.K. enjoyed spending his free time with other fire buffs as a member of the Tidewater Fire Photographers Association. He was also a writer for First Responder where he was published several times. Ron was a Master Mason and Past Master of Norfolk Masonic Lodge No. 1. He is also a Scottish Rite Mason and a Shriner with Khedive Temple, where he was a member of the Ritualistic Divan. "Smitty" was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy and William Smith. He is survived by Donna, his wife of 43 years; daughter, Tammy Duffield of Virginia Beach; and sisters, Darla Bailey and Sherry Gilbert (Frank) of East Liverpool, Ohio. A memorial service will be held at Smith & Williams Funeral Home, 4889 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, on Monday, June 7, at 2 p.m. The Rev. John Coston is officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. You may offer condolences to the family at www.smithandwilliamskempsville.com.

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Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Jun. 5, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Smith

13 Entries

Ed Hanson

June 8, 2010

I know I will miss you Smitty, we always had good times together whether it be on a fire or runing into each other doing insurance work. I still remember you sitting behind my shop years ago watching the trains.Rest in Peace brother

June 7, 2010

My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Smith family during this time of grief. I knew and worked with Smitty during his VBFD career. He was a great man to his wife and kids as well as to the FD familiy. He will be missed.
Jimmy Carter, VBFD Retired.

June 7, 2010

Ronnie was my cousin. His grandmother and my grandmother were sisters. I remember so many fun times on Saturday afternoons/evenings while my three brothers and I waited in the car for my father while he was looking at cars in a used car lot. Ron made jokes and had us laughing so hard we didn't want to leave. He was such a comedian!! His last visit to East Liverpool I believe was in Sept of 2008. He came for my father's funeral. My condolences to Ron's wife and daughter. Rest in peace Ron.....Jo Anne Persohn Dray

Scott Morrison

June 6, 2010

There are no words in any language that can describe the sadness that abounds at the loss of this man.

I met RK in the fall of 1993 while shooting photos at a fire on Sangaree Circle in Virginia Beach. We talked for a bit and I learned that he was a member of VBFD and he also had a passion for photography. We kept in touch after that and would occasionally see eachother at fires throught the area. I learned of an orgnaization that was filled with "fire buffs" in the area and proceded to become a member, only to find my friend RK there already. I said to him "and you were keeping this a secret??" we shared a chuckle and have been steadfast friends since.

RK, it seems like just yesterday.... where does the time go? I can tell you that our time together with people like you should be cherished for every single moment for it is gone far too soon.

RK gave so much of himself to the organizations he belonged to unseflishly and for no personal gain of his own. He is to be admired for his commitment and dedication.

Donna and Tammy, I can not express my sorrow for your loss. Know that if you are ever in need, that help is only a phone call away, I will never let my brothers family down, that was my promise to RK just before Christmas.

RK, serve the Chief of Chief's well brother. Protect us from above and guide us with your wisdom and knowledge so that we may follow in your footsteps. We have your watch, rest now.

Scott A. Morrison
President
Tidewater Fire Photographers Assoc.

Bill Youngson

June 6, 2010

I met Ron in 1997 on PSC shortly before he Retired from VBFD. We became fast friends with many shared friends I had met while visiting my sister in Virginia beach or they visiting NYCFD. Ron and I have visited each other on a few occasions. He's a very dear friend indeed. His lovely wife donna and his daughter Tammy were the jewels in his crown. He has paid forward so many good deeds its senseless to count. Thank God we have a Ron Smith guarding the gates of heaven..

June 6, 2010

Donna, Ron had a BIG heart and always wanted to help....he is missed.
God Bless! Tom & Carol Carter

David Boggs

June 6, 2010

Dear Donna and Tammy, I was very saddened to hear of RK's passing. We all knew "Smitty" to be "one of a kind", and I know that I, along with a lot of the guys in the Va. Beach Fire Department will miss him. RK touched many lives, and that is quite an accomplishment. Please know that Susan and I will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Debbie Smith (aka) Marshalett

June 6, 2010

I met Ron on line in the PSC chat room back in 1996. I was a Fire Marshal back then and was the only "Prevention Nerd" in the group and Ron always respected my side of the business. The group turned out to be my on-line family and Ron was a big part of it. We got to know each other's spouses and children and basically shared our lives and recipes with each other as good friends and family do. He will be missed by me and all of us who got to know him. May he rest in peace.

PATRICA SUMINSKI

June 6, 2010

My thoughts and prayers in your time of grief are with you, Donna and Tammy, and your family, including Ron's sisters Darla and Sherry.May your family find the comfort they need in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Rena Ybarra Wodell

June 5, 2010

Donna and Tammy, I am extreamly sadden to hear of the loss of your Husband and Father and our dear friend Ron. I met Ron as part of the world wide Web. in the PSC chat room when it first started. A vast group of FD, EMS and PD folks who grew to love and respect Ron. I moved to the Washington DC after my marriage and we met him on one of his trips up for work. He always spoke of the both of you with love and pride. He loved his family dearly and he always called Donna his lovely wife and better half. Tammy he always spoke of you with Love and great pride. To Ron's FD Brothers and Sisters I know he had a great love for you and the job. I will sorely him.

aka "Punik"

June 5, 2010

I retired from the Virginia Beach Fire Dept. after 30 years of service and worked with Smitty at the Woodstock Station for almost a year. He would stop by our Municipal Center home on occasion. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends at this time. Billy Simons

Richard Kaylor

June 5, 2010

It is with terrible sadness that I discover that an old friend and colleague has gone to be with the Lord. I met "Smitty" in Sept. 1973 when I joined the DCVFRS. He was a great mentor and instructor to a young new volunteer that was attempting to find his niche in the fire service. As I remember, Smitty was a very patient and kind hearted person. Rest in Peace Brother! May your family find the comfort piece they need in our Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.

Richard Kaylor
Captain Eng Co. 4
Oak Ridge, TN

Steve Birns

June 5, 2010

My thoughts and prayers in your time of grief are with you, Donna and Tammy, and your family, including Ron's sisters Darla and Sherry. Ron and I grew up together, went to school together and played together. For many years while growing up in East Liverpool, Ron lived next door to my grandparents' grocery store, and we saw each other daily. Ron introduced me to tea with milk, and a variety of good music. The wonderful memories of Ron's friendship those early years will stay with me forever.

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