Ralph Smith Jr.

Ralph Smith Jr., 88, of Georgetown IL passed away on Sunday April 15, 2018 at 8:40 a.m. at Gardenview Manor, Tilton IL with his family by his side. He was born Nov. 28, 1929, in Allerton to Ralph and Ida Bryant Smith. He married Grace Elizabeth (Liz) Snyder Nov. 2, 1952, in Georgetown IL. Ralph is survived by his loving wife Liz of 65 years, as well as three daughters, Pam (Alan) Pribble, Penny (Bub) Norgaar, Annie (Randy) Mariage; two brothers, Tommy (Helen) Smith, and William (Karen) Smith; one sister, Ruth (James) Thomas; six grandchildren, Scott Pribble, Caleb Deck, Jessica (Clint) McMasters, Abbey (Ryan) Rummel, Ashley (Brandon) Blankenship and Briana Mariage; and nine great-grandchildren Cody Pluck, Darian Pribble, Tryce McMasters, Owen Mariage-Tucker, Trent McMasters, Aryann Rummel, Ty McMasters, Braelyn Blankenship, Lilly Blankenship and many nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, James, John, Bobby and Sheldon; and one sister, Marjorie Ballard. Ralph served in the United States Army during the Korean War era. He retired from the Danville Veterans Administration as an Assistant Physical Therapist in 1988 after 30 years of service. He worked part-time jobs at the following: Burgoyne's Flower Shop, Sproul's Construction and Georgetown School District during his career at the VA. In 1992 Ralph and Liz move to Turtletown, Tennessee, where he worked a few hours a week at the Piggly Wiggly and enjoyed the retirement life. In 1999 they decided to move back to Georgetown IL. Ralph was a hard worker, a man of compassion for others, a faithful man a humorous man and a man of many talents. He had a love for about everything he did and would master it with perfection. Some of his talents were gardening, woodworking, working with stain glass and I believe most of all cooking. He enjoyed his family, friends, and traveling. He loved attending Vermilion Grove Friends Church and the love of God they shared as a family. He was extremely proud of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He loved them with all his heart. He instilled into them the values of life. Our tears are of joy for him as he will enter into eternity free of pain with this big smile that we will all miss so much. The family would like to thank all those who took wonderful care of him during the end of his life journey here on earth. Special thanks to the Transition Hospice Team and the Gardenview Manor Nurses and CNA's. To those who have kept him in your thoughts and prayers and have been there for the family through this difficult time. He was an amazing husband, dad, poppy, brother, uncle and friend to everyone he met. He was one of a kind. A celebration of Ralph's life will be 12:00pm, Saturday, April 21, 2018 at Sunset's Houghton-Leasure Funeral Home, 200 E. West Street, Georgetown with Rev. Joe White officiating. Burial will follow in the Vermilion Grove Cemetery with Military Honors will be conducted by the American Legion Dornblaser Post #203. Visitation will be held 10:00am to 12:00pm on Saturday prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Vermilion Grove Friends Church, or an organization of your chose. Please join his family in sharing memories, photos, & videos through his Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.