Funeral services for Ronald Joy Smith, of Moore, previously of Cyril, will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, October 15, 2018 at the First Baptist Church of Cyril with Donnie Miller officiating.
Ronald Joy Smith was born August 24, 1949 in rural Caddo County near Cyril, Oklahoma, the son of Alvin Joy Smith and Helen E. (King) Smith. He passed away Wednesday, October 10, 2018 at his home in Moore, Oklahoma after a long battle with cancer.
Ronnie grew up in the Cyril area, attending Cyril schools and graduating in 1968. He attended a year at Cameron University.
On June 12, 1969, he married Kathryn Elizabeth Wright in Cyril. They were married over 49 years.
He was drafted into the United States Army and was stationed in Schwabach, Germany. After his service in the military, he was employed by Oklahoma Communications Systems, Inc. out of Cyril. He then worked for Gilt Edge Dairy in Chickasha for a time. He went to work for Delta Faucet in Chickasha for several years, where he became a tool and dye machinist. At that time, Ronnie took a job working for the Oklahoma Refinery in Cyril. He then was employed for Maremont in Chickasha and after over 20 years he retired. Deciding retirement was not for him, he went to work for Baker-Hughes out of Oklahoma City, retiring for good in May of 2015.
He was involved for more than 20 years with his children showing livestock in 4H and FFA. He loved his children and grandchildren and was a kid at heart. He enjoyed being with his family, whether it was gardening, handing out Halloween candy or coloring Easter Eggs.
Ronnie spent eight years coaching girls fast-pitch softball and over the years he enjoyed watching those players grow up. He played men’s fast-pitch and enjoyed bowling. About midlife, he discovered golf and became an avid golfer.
He was preceded in death by both parents; his mother-in-law, Tressie Wright Randolph; and his grandson, Ayden Ray Beene.
Survivors include his wife, Kathryn Smith, of the home; daughter, Rhonda C. Long of Bethany; daughter and son-in-law, Monica E. and Mark Jackson of Cyril; son and daughter-in-law, Joshua A. and Diana Smith of Cyril; daughter, Lynnetta J. Smith of Lawton; sister and brother-in-law, Carolyn and Michael Abbott of Madison, Alabama; grandchildren, Jesse and Kaitlyn Long, Destanie Jackson and Cadeon Biggs, and Tamara, Jessica, Micah, and Brent Smith; four great-grandchildren; aunt, Sue Roberts; numerous girl cousins and other extended family and friends.
Interment will be in Celestial Gardens Cemetery located Cyril, Oklahoma under the direction of Ferguson Funeral Home.