Ronald Ray Smith

Watch Ronnie's Tribute Video Here

Funeral Services for Ronnie Smith, age 81, of O’Neill will be at 10:30 am on Wednesday, October 5, 2022 at the First United Methodist Church in O’Neill with burial to follow in the O’Neill Cemetery.  Pastor Bob Wynn will officiate.  Visitation will be from 5-7 pm Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at Biglin’s Mortuary in O’Neill with a 7:00 pm time of sharing.  Ronnie passed away on Thursday, September 29, 2022 at Arbor Care Center in O’Neill.  Memorials may be directed to his family for future designation.  Arrangements are entrusted to Biglin’s Mortuary in O’Neill.

Ronald Ray Smith was born on May 10, 1941 in Westfield, Iowa to Ward and Marie (Rozell) Smith.  He attended Westfield Elementary School through the Eighth Grade.  He loved his early life on the farm having fun and causing mischief with his brothers and sister who he adored.  Ronnie moved with his family to O’Neill, Nebraska just before his freshman year so his father could join his brother, Harry, operating Harry R. Smith Implement.  While in high school, he excelled in football, basketball, and track.  Ronnie graduated from O’Neill High School in 1959.  He then attended Wayne State College to play football.

Ronnie returned to O’Neill and resumed working for his family dealership.  He married his highschool sweetheart, Sharon Marcellus, on July 14, 1963 at the First United Methodist Church in O’Neill.  To this union, four children were born: Jodi, Douglas, Molly, and Ellie.  Ronnie enjoyed helping farmers in the area as a John Deere dealer until he retired in 2002.  He will be remembered as a trusted and honest businessman.

Ronnie was a great supporter of O’Neill and our St. Patrick’s Day Celebration.  He was part of the group that lobbied for O'Neill to be named the Irish Capital of Nebraska and drew the very first shamrock at 4th and Douglas.  He was a true outdoorsman.  He loved to hunt, fish, and camp.  He and Sharon also enjoyed traveling.  He was an avid college sports fan, especially of the Huskers, but enjoyed watching any game he could find.  Ronnie knew how to enjoy life and was always ready with a witty remark or quick joke and a twinkle in his bright blue eyes.  His laugh was infectious.  More than anything, Ronnie loved spending time with his friends and family playing rousing games of pitch, grilling his incredible hamburgers, hosting amazing fish fries and just being together.  He loved his family and friends whole-heartedly and will be missed by many. 

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in O’Neill, Pheasants Forever, and Ducks Unlimited.

Ronnie is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sharon Smith of O’Neill; four children: Jodi (John Borzych) Notkin of Coral Springs, Florida, Douglas (Jennifer) Smith of Stillwater, Oklahoma, Molly (Pat) Keane of Omaha, Ellie (Charles) Erickson of Omaha; eight grandchildren: Jared Notkin, Colin Notkin, Calvin Smith, Campbell Smith, Andrew Keane, Alex Keane, Max Erickson, Sophie Erickson; one brother, Daryl Smith of Akron, Iowa; one sister, Judy (Russ) Thomas of O’Neill; one sister-in-law, Kathy Smith of Huron, South Dakota; and several nieces and nephews.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents; his two brothers, Dwayne (Jean) Smith, Jerry Smith; and his sister-in-law, Marcine Smith.