Ronald Wayne Smith

1953 - 2024

Ronald Wayne Smith

March 5, 1953 - June 27, 2024

MINIER - Ronald Wayne Smith, 71, of Minier, IL, passed away on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at Carle BroMenn Medical Center surrounded by his family.

He was born on March 5, 1953, in Carthage, IL, to Vernon and Claris (Neally) Smith. He married Teresa (Dickson) Smith on July 5, 2014.

Surviving are his wife, Teresa; two sons: Dustyn (Sara) Smith of Peoria, IL, and Trevor (Theresa) Smith of Whispering Pines, NC; one daughter, Kaylin (Jared) Zimmerman of Bloomington, IL; two stepchildren: Zach Cleinmark (fiance Gracie Tillman) of Fort Worth, TX, and Maddie Carter of Minier, IL; grandchildren: Boston Smith and Zoey Zimmerman; special nephew, Dale Bolton; and life-long friend, Danny Logsdon.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, and one sister.

Ron, or Smitty as his friends called him, was known for his infectious laugh, his stories and humor, and - most importantly - the impact he left on hundreds of players, families, and coaches in the Olympia community. Ron served the Olympia school district for 34 years teaching physical education, coaching football and baseball, and supporting the school in various ways by filling in wherever needed or spending hours mowing ball diamonds. His accomplishments on the baseball field are impressive. From 500-plus high school wins and three state championships to spending countless hours planning, running practicing, and dragging fields, Ron's passion and focus were around the game. And not just the game of baseball, but the game of life and the fundamentals, the lessons, and the discipline he taught so many. He loved, treated, and cherished his family, friends, players, and co-workers and anyone he met.

A man of many experiences, Ron not only taught the game, but played it. He played baseball for the Burlington Iowa Class A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers from 1975 to 1976. Prior to that, he played baseball at the University of New Orleans before transferring to Monmouth where he finished as an all-American in baseball. Ron was an all-state selection to football at Carthage High School and he played basketball. He shared his talents through coaching and mentoring, building experiences for players on the field that shaped their strong, successful future. Perhaps his greatest experiences, however, were his motorcycle riding adventures. There wasn't a man who loved getting on a bike and riding the open roads more than Ron.

To know Ron was to learn he gave of himself and wanted nothing in return. He was humble and cared about making people a better version of themself. He was a man who felt joy from doing good deeds for others because of the warmth it brought to him. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren and his wife, Teresa. He was an amazing friend and colleagues to many and an inspirational coach and mentor to even more. So many people are better today because of Ron. His legend lives on through the Olympia High School Ron "Smitty" Smith Field, recently dedicated in April of this year. His legacy lives on through his family and friends who will forever tell stories and share laughs in his memory. In Smitty's words from the field dedication this spring, "it's about striving for greatness and if you're gonna do it, you might as well do it right."

There will be a Celebration of Ron's life Sunday June 30, 2024, from 1:00 to 5:00 PM at the Minier Tap in Minier.

Memorial contributions may be made to the OPBA (Olympia Progressive Baseball Association) at PO BOX 230 Minier, IL, 61759

Online condolences may be left at www.calvertmemorial.com.