HERKIMER-Ronald E. Smith "Ronnie age 73 of Shells Bush Road, passed away on Thursday morning May 12, 2011 in Little Falls Hospital. He had the peace and comfort of his loving family at his side.
He was born on November 18, 1937 in Mohawk son of the late Milo and Mabelle Hull Smith. A lifelong Herkimer resident he was raised on the family farm and was educated in Herkimer Central Schools.
On July 5, 1958 he was united in marriage with the former Jacqueline Griffith in the Christ Episcopal Church, Herkimer. For twenty-three years he was employed by the Herkimer County Highway Department, retiring in 1981. The same year he and his brother Skip took over ownership of the Smith Brothers Farm on Shells Bush Road, a family farm that went back eight generations. He retired from farming in 1996.
Most notably Ronnie was an accomplished musician. He had his own country band, "The Ronnie Smith Band". He appeared regularly for twenty-seven years on WWVA Jamboree in Wheeling, West Virginia, appearing with Brad Paisley, Hank Williams Jr., Tom T. Hall and many other well known country music singers. In 1976 he fulfilled his life's dream by appearing at "Grand Ole Opry "in Nashville, TN, where he sang a tribute to welcome Roy Acuff back into the Saturday night show. He also appeared at several matinee shows. He had the distinction of playing for President Gerald Ford and received a letter of recognition from him. Ronnie was the recipient of many awards for his music, civic and charitable contributions. In October of 1984 he was made an Inductee of the Statewide Country Music Association Hall of Fame, in 1994 he received the Herkimer Unit of the American Cancer Society Man of the year award, in 1999 the Herkimer Veterans of Foreign Wars Good Citizenship Man of the Year Award, he received a lifetime honorary membership in the VanHornesville Volunteer Fire Department. In 1976 he returned to VanHornesville where he made a live recording. In 1979 he received the 2nd Annual Award of Merit by the Herkimer County Republican Organization.
It was his greatest joy performing and visiting with his many friends and fans, including his loyal members of the Ronnie Smith Fan Club and his many fans in Sweden. Ronnie was also a member of the Herkimer Lions Club where for the past several years he hosted the Country Jamboree and was in the process of planning this year's event. He was also a member of Ilion Lodge # 591 F & AM, Valley of Utica, AASR, Ziyara Shrine, AAONMS.
He had a strong love for the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing and was a avid NASCAR fan.
To all who knew him, Ronnie Smith will always be remembered as a caring, humble man with an extraordinary God given talent that he found great pleasure in sharing with others. He will be truly missed by many especially; his devoted family and cherished grandchildren.
Surviving him are his loving wife of fifty-three years Jacqueline, one son, Ronald J. Smith, and his special friend Julie, a daughter, Christine Volkmer and her husband John, One brother John Smith and his wife Marlene, two sisters, Beverly Lyga and Norma Foster all of Herkimer, seven grandchildren, Stephanie Smith of Mohawk, Ronald J. Smith ("RJ") of Herkimer, Ava Lewis of Mohawk, Caitlin, Brianna, Alyssa and Kyle Volkmer all of Herkimer, his faithful friends Arnold Smith, and his base guitar player for over thirty years Ed Streator, and, many nieces, nephews and cousins and his canine companions Trouble, Holly and Hank. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by two brothers, Wilfred "Willie" Smith and Adelbert "Skip" Smith.
Funeral service will be on Monday at 11:00 am in Grace Episcopal Church, Mohawk. The Reverend William Wheeler, Rector and his nephew, The Reverend Ethan Cole will officiate. Interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery. The family will be present in Fenner Funeral Home Inc., 115 Court Street; Herkimer to receive relatives and friends on Sunday from 3:00 until 7:00 pm.
The family wishes to extend their appreciation Drs. Om and Usha Wadhera, Dr. Steven Levine, the nursing staff of St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, Little Falls Hospital, the Masonic Care Community and Folts Home for the care and compassion shown to Ronnie and his family during his illness.
He was born on November 18, 1937 in Mohawk son of the late Milo and Mabelle Hull Smith. A lifelong Herkimer resident he was raised on the family farm and was educated in Herkimer Central Schools.
On July 5, 1958 he was united in marriage with the former Jacqueline Griffith in the Christ Episcopal Church, Herkimer. For twenty-three years he was employed by the Herkimer County Highway Department, retiring in 1981. The same year he and his brother Skip took over ownership of the Smith Brothers Farm on Shells Bush Road, a family farm that went back eight generations. He retired from farming in 1996.
Most notably Ronnie was an accomplished musician. He had his own country band, "The Ronnie Smith Band". He appeared regularly for twenty-seven years on WWVA Jamboree in Wheeling, West Virginia, appearing with Brad Paisley, Hank Williams Jr., Tom T. Hall and many other well known country music singers. In 1976 he fulfilled his life's dream by appearing at "Grand Ole Opry "in Nashville, TN, where he sang a tribute to welcome Roy Acuff back into the Saturday night show. He also appeared at several matinee shows. He had the distinction of playing for President Gerald Ford and received a letter of recognition from him. Ronnie was the recipient of many awards for his music, civic and charitable contributions. In October of 1984 he was made an Inductee of the Statewide Country Music Association Hall of Fame, in 1994 he received the Herkimer Unit of the American Cancer Society Man of the year award, in 1999 the Herkimer Veterans of Foreign Wars Good Citizenship Man of the Year Award, he received a lifetime honorary membership in the VanHornesville Volunteer Fire Department. In 1976 he returned to VanHornesville where he made a live recording. In 1979 he received the 2nd Annual Award of Merit by the Herkimer County Republican Organization.
It was his greatest joy performing and visiting with his many friends and fans, including his loyal members of the Ronnie Smith Fan Club and his many fans in Sweden. Ronnie was also a member of the Herkimer Lions Club where for the past several years he hosted the Country Jamboree and was in the process of planning this year's event. He was also a member of Ilion Lodge # 591 F & AM, Valley of Utica, AASR, Ziyara Shrine, AAONMS.
He had a strong love for the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing and was a avid NASCAR fan.
To all who knew him, Ronnie Smith will always be remembered as a caring, humble man with an extraordinary God given talent that he found great pleasure in sharing with others. He will be truly missed by many especially; his devoted family and cherished grandchildren.
Surviving him are his loving wife of fifty-three years Jacqueline, one son, Ronald J. Smith, and his special friend Julie, a daughter, Christine Volkmer and her husband John, One brother John Smith and his wife Marlene, two sisters, Beverly Lyga and Norma Foster all of Herkimer, seven grandchildren, Stephanie Smith of Mohawk, Ronald J. Smith ("RJ") of Herkimer, Ava Lewis of Mohawk, Caitlin, Brianna, Alyssa and Kyle Volkmer all of Herkimer, his faithful friends Arnold Smith, and his base guitar player for over thirty years Ed Streator, and, many nieces, nephews and cousins and his canine companions Trouble, Holly and Hank. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by two brothers, Wilfred "Willie" Smith and Adelbert "Skip" Smith.
Funeral service will be on Monday at 11:00 am in Grace Episcopal Church, Mohawk. The Reverend William Wheeler, Rector and his nephew, The Reverend Ethan Cole will officiate. Interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery. The family will be present in Fenner Funeral Home Inc., 115 Court Street; Herkimer to receive relatives and friends on Sunday from 3:00 until 7:00 pm.
The family wishes to extend their appreciation Drs. Om and Usha Wadhera, Dr. Steven Levine, the nursing staff of St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, Little Falls Hospital, the Masonic Care Community and Folts Home for the care and compassion shown to Ronnie and his family during his illness.
HERKIMER-Ronald E. Smith "Ronnie age 73 of Shells Bush Road, passed away on Thursday morning May 12, 2011 in Little Falls Hospital. He had the peace and comfort of his loving family at his side.
He was born on November 18, 1937 in Mohawk son of the late Milo and Mabelle Hull Smith. A lifelong Herkimer resident he was raised on the family farm and was educated in Herkimer Central Schools.
On July 5, 1958 he was united in marriage with the former Jacqueline Griffith in the Christ Episcopal Church, Herkimer. For twenty-three years he was employed by the Herkimer County Highway Department, retiring in 1981. The same year he and his brother Skip took over ownership of the Smith Brothers Farm on Shells Bush Road, a family farm that went back eight generations. He retired from farming in 1996.
Most notably Ronnie was an accomplished musician. He had his own country band, "The Ronnie Smith Band". He appeared regularly for twenty-seven years on WWVA Jamboree in Wheeling, West Virginia, appearing with Brad Paisley, Hank Williams Jr., Tom T. Hall and many other well known country music singers. In 1976 he fulfilled his life's dream by appearing at "Grand Ole Opry "in Nashville, TN, where he sang a tribute to welcome Roy Acuff back into the Saturday night show. He also appeared at several matinee shows. He had the distinction of playing for President Gerald Ford and received a letter of recognition from him. Ronnie was the recipient of many awards for his music, civic and charitable contributions. In October of 1984 he was made an Inductee of the Statewide Country Music Association Hall of Fame, in 1994 he received the Herkimer Unit of the American Cancer Society Man of the year award, in 1999 the Herkimer Veterans of Foreign Wars Good Citizenship Man of the Year Award, he received a lifetime honorary membership in the VanHornesville Volunteer Fire Department. In 1976 he returned to VanHornesville where he made a live recording. In 1979 he received the 2nd Annual Award of Merit by the Herkimer County Republican Organization.
It was his greatest joy performing and visiting with his many friends and fans, including his loyal members of the Ronnie Smith Fan Club and his many fans in Sweden. Ronnie was also a member of the Herkimer Lions Club where for the past several years he hosted the Country Jamboree and was in the process of planning this year's event. He was also a member of Ilion Lodge # 591 F & AM, Valley of Utica, AASR, Ziyara Shrine, AAONMS.
He had a strong love for the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing and was a avid NASCAR fan.
To all who knew him, Ronnie Smith will always be remembered as a caring, humble man with an extraordinary God given talent that he found great pleasure in sharing with others. He will be truly missed by many especially; his devoted family and cherished grandchildren.
Surviving him are his loving wife of fifty-three years Jacqueline, one son, Ronald J. Smith, and his special friend Julie, a daughter, Christine Volkmer and her husband John, One brother John Smith and his wife Marlene, two sisters, Beverly Lyga and Norma Foster all of Herkimer, seven grandchildren, Stephanie Smith of Mohawk, Ronald J. Smith ("RJ") of Herkimer, Ava Lewis of Mohawk, Caitlin, Brianna, Alyssa and Kyle Volkmer all of Herkimer, his faithful friends Arnold Smith, and his base guitar player for over thirty years Ed Streator, and, many nieces, nephews and cousins and his canine companions Trouble, Holly and Hank. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by two brothers, Wilfred "Willie" Smith and Adelbert "Skip" Smith.
Funeral service will be on Monday at 11:00 am in Grace Episcopal Church, Mohawk. The Reverend William Wheeler, Rector and his nephew, The Reverend Ethan Cole will officiate. Interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery. The family will be present in Fenner Funeral Home Inc., 115 Court Street; Herkimer to receive relatives and friends on Sunday from 3:00 until 7:00 pm.
The family wishes to extend their appreciation Drs. Om and Usha Wadhera, Dr. Steven Levine, the nursing staff of St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, Little Falls Hospital, the Masonic Care Community and Folts Home for the care and compassion shown to Ronnie and his family during his illness.
He was born on November 18, 1937 in Mohawk son of the late Milo and Mabelle Hull Smith. A lifelong Herkimer resident he was raised on the family farm and was educated in Herkimer Central Schools.
On July 5, 1958 he was united in marriage with the former Jacqueline Griffith in the Christ Episcopal Church, Herkimer. For twenty-three years he was employed by the Herkimer County Highway Department, retiring in 1981. The same year he and his brother Skip took over ownership of the Smith Brothers Farm on Shells Bush Road, a family farm that went back eight generations. He retired from farming in 1996.
Most notably Ronnie was an accomplished musician. He had his own country band, "The Ronnie Smith Band". He appeared regularly for twenty-seven years on WWVA Jamboree in Wheeling, West Virginia, appearing with Brad Paisley, Hank Williams Jr., Tom T. Hall and many other well known country music singers. In 1976 he fulfilled his life's dream by appearing at "Grand Ole Opry "in Nashville, TN, where he sang a tribute to welcome Roy Acuff back into the Saturday night show. He also appeared at several matinee shows. He had the distinction of playing for President Gerald Ford and received a letter of recognition from him. Ronnie was the recipient of many awards for his music, civic and charitable contributions. In October of 1984 he was made an Inductee of the Statewide Country Music Association Hall of Fame, in 1994 he received the Herkimer Unit of the American Cancer Society Man of the year award, in 1999 the Herkimer Veterans of Foreign Wars Good Citizenship Man of the Year Award, he received a lifetime honorary membership in the VanHornesville Volunteer Fire Department. In 1976 he returned to VanHornesville where he made a live recording. In 1979 he received the 2nd Annual Award of Merit by the Herkimer County Republican Organization.
It was his greatest joy performing and visiting with his many friends and fans, including his loyal members of the Ronnie Smith Fan Club and his many fans in Sweden. Ronnie was also a member of the Herkimer Lions Club where for the past several years he hosted the Country Jamboree and was in the process of planning this year's event. He was also a member of Ilion Lodge # 591 F & AM, Valley of Utica, AASR, Ziyara Shrine, AAONMS.
He had a strong love for the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing and was a avid NASCAR fan.
To all who knew him, Ronnie Smith will always be remembered as a caring, humble man with an extraordinary God given talent that he found great pleasure in sharing with others. He will be truly missed by many especially; his devoted family and cherished grandchildren.
Surviving him are his loving wife of fifty-three years Jacqueline, one son, Ronald J. Smith, and his special friend Julie, a daughter, Christine Volkmer and her husband John, One brother John Smith and his wife Marlene, two sisters, Beverly Lyga and Norma Foster all of Herkimer, seven grandchildren, Stephanie Smith of Mohawk, Ronald J. Smith ("RJ") of Herkimer, Ava Lewis of Mohawk, Caitlin, Brianna, Alyssa and Kyle Volkmer all of Herkimer, his faithful friends Arnold Smith, and his base guitar player for over thirty years Ed Streator, and, many nieces, nephews and cousins and his canine companions Trouble, Holly and Hank. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by two brothers, Wilfred "Willie" Smith and Adelbert "Skip" Smith.
Funeral service will be on Monday at 11:00 am in Grace Episcopal Church, Mohawk. The Reverend William Wheeler, Rector and his nephew, The Reverend Ethan Cole will officiate. Interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery. The family will be present in Fenner Funeral Home Inc., 115 Court Street; Herkimer to receive relatives and friends on Sunday from 3:00 until 7:00 pm.
The family wishes to extend their appreciation Drs. Om and Usha Wadhera, Dr. Steven Levine, the nursing staff of St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, Little Falls Hospital, the Masonic Care Community and Folts Home for the care and compassion shown to Ronnie and his family during his illness.
