Ron Smith

Ronald “Ron” L. Smith, 76, of Danville, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Saturday, September 6, 2025. He was born in Indianapolis on October 17, 1948, the oldest of 6 siblings. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Butch Smith.

Ron spent a portion of his youth in Florida, later moving to Danville where he attended High School for a short time before heading straight to work. He met his best friend and love of his life, Janette Lehr while they were both working at Burger Chef, she was a senior in high school. The story goes, he was too shy to ask Janette to go out on a date, so he wrote it on a piece of paper, which she still has and treasures. They were married and started their family welcoming a son and a daughter. As the kids grew up and started their own families, Ron was always there to offer support. He retired, or was rather cajoled into retirement after 17 years with Allison’s Transmission.

Ron loved music, especially classic country, he even played the guitar. His musical talents came naturally, growing up in the church where his parents were both worship leaders for over 50 years, his mother played the piano and father played the bass guitar. The other joyful noise in his life came from laughter, other’s and his own. Ron was a bit of a jokester; he loved to tease and pull pranks. He enjoyed grilling BBQ chicken and drinking Jack and Coke while watching football or the race. The way he made mashed potatoes, and his mother’s peanut butter fudge will be missed. He enjoyed times they’d vacation in Tennessee, but for the most part, Ron was a homebody, loved to be with his wife and family.

Ron is survived by his wife of 57 years, Janette; son Jeff (R.J.) daughter in-law, Kim; daughter and “best buddy” Shannon; siblings, Mike, Les, Rick and Annie, and brother in-law Brian; 24 grandchildren, which includes, greats and great-great grandchildren.The family will receive friends at the Helton & Harris Funeral Home, Danville, on Friday, September 12, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 12:00 p.m. Ron will be laid to rest in the Danville South Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Alzheimer’s Association.