Obituary of Ronald Smith

Ronald Willard Smith Jr. was born in Monroe, Michigan on March 7, 1978. He was the son of Ronald W. Smith Sr. and the late Barbara (Pincheff) Smith. Ron attended Erie Mason Schools and graduated with the Class of 1996. He later attended Monroe County Community College for welding. For many years, Ron worked as a laborer in the construction industry and held a CDL. He was employed by several local contractors including Kyko Construction and Advantage Walls. In October of 2012, Ronald began employment with the City of Monroe in their Maintenance Department. Ron was extremely outgoing. He was very personable and was well loved by all those who had the privilege to know him. Ron had a great sense of humor and the gift of one-liners. He was the proud father of Kaiden, always appreciating and making the most of opportunities to spend time with him. Ron enjoyed traveling; especially enjoying several cruises. He loved the outdoors and the water. He liked fishing, boating, and jet skiing. With Summer on its way, he was ready to spend the warm weather on the lake. Ron and his fiancé Stephanie were anxiously looking forward to a June 22 wedding date. Ron took exceptional care of himself and in the past was an avid weight-lifter. Ronald W. Smith Jr. age 35 of LaSalle passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 18, 2013 at Put-in-Bay. In addition to his mother in 2003 his passing was preceded by two sisters: Roxanne at birth and Dawn Marie Frances Smith in 1993. To cherish his memory he leaves his father: Ronald Sr.; a son: Kaiden; fiancé: Stephanie Schnapp; brothers: Ken and Philip Smith; sisters: Rebecca (Josh) Frank and Sunday Heck Gadberry; special niece: Briyana; maternal aunt: Belinda Brooks; two cousins: Mandy and John Brooks; and many close friends including: Chad Cochran, Chad Harper, and Nathan Bowman. Arrangements have been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, Monroe. Friends may gather from 2:00-8:00pm, Thursday, May 23, 2013 at Bennett Funeral Service, 14567 South Dixie Highway (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of His Life will take place at 11:00am, Friday also at Bennett's with the Rev. Kenneth Spain officiating. Procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park for burial. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, make a donation, or send a floral arrangement by visiting www.merklefs.com and then selecting the Online Tributes page.