Ralph Merrill Smith

Ralph Merrill Smith, 84, of Piketon, Ohio passed 7:40 p.m., Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at the Southern Ohio Medical Center Hospice Facility, Portsmouth, Ohio.
Ralph was born February 12, 1939 in Piketon, Ohio, the son of the late Elmer Smith and Versa Smith. On September 17, 1963 he was united in marriage to Diana Ella (Davis) Smith, who preceded him in death.
He is survived by four sons, William M. (Lisa) Smith, John W. (Tina Foust) Smith, Michael J. Smith, and Roger V. (Trish) Smith; a daughter, Roberta (Rod) Shupert Banta; nine grandchildren, and multiple great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, two brothers, Lloyd, and Roger A. Smith; and three sisters, Mary E. Spurlock, Phyllis Graves, and Opal Wycal.
Ralph was a Veteran of the United States Army, a truck driver and equipment operator. He enjoyed fishing, professional wrestling, U.K. basketball, and spending time with his family.
Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m., Saturday, January 13, 2024 at Howe Wheeler Boyer Funeral Home, Piketon Ohio. Burial will follow at Arkoe Cemetery, Elm Grove, Ohio with graveside military rights performed by the American Legion Merritt Post 142.
The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until the beginning of the service on Saturday.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Southern Ohio Medical Center Hospice Facility, 2201 25th St., Portsmouth, Ohio 45662.
www.boyerfuneral.com