RONALD K. “CAPTAIN RON” SMITH age 69, beloved husband for 38 years of Maryann (nee Grbovac); loving father of Michael (wife Julianne); devoted grandfather of Audra, Jamison and Landry; cherished son of the late Fred and Annelle (nee McCulloch); dearest brother of Mitzi Walker; dearest brother-in-law of Eleanor Spencer; dear uncle of Marty Adams and Jennifer Montoya. Survived by his K-9 companions Skipper and Gunner. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Ron to Northeast Ohio SPCA 9555 Brookpark Rd., Parma, OH 44129 (northeastohiospca.org). U.S. Army Veteran.
Ron was born on October 22, 1950 in Alabama and passed away on January 17, 2020. He was a resident of Mayfield Village since 2011, formerly residing in Richmond Heights and Alabama. Ron graduated from High School in Alabama, attended Calhoun Community College and graduated from Athens State University. He was the owner/operator and manufacturing representative in Ohio and Western PA and was a DJ in college. He was a member of Lakeside Yacht Club. “Captain Ron” enjoyed boating on his ’39 Sea Ray he called the Tidal Wave. He had his pilot license and would fly to Aruba, Hiltonhead and Alabama. He loved when his sister came to Cleveland and sang at Johnny’s downtown. Ron will be remembered as an outgoing, social, and gentle man who had a sense of humor and liked to make people laugh. He was a devoted father and grandfather and loved his dogs Freeway, Magic, Skipper and Gunner. Skipper was our boat dog. He would drive to Alabama a couple times a month to see his son Michael. Ron will be dearly missed.
Cremation by DeJohn Crematory. Celebration of Life Service Saturday, February 1, 2020 at 2:30 PM at the Funeral Home with Military Honors to follow. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Ron at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2020 from 1 – 2:30 PM.
