Ralph R. Smith, Sr., 79, of Sherman, PA, passed away on August 27th, 2018 at his home.

Calling hours will be Thursday, September 6th from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm at The Sherman Bible Chapel on Second Street, Deposit, NY.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm following calling hours on Second Street, Deposit, NY with his son Ralph Smith Jr., Elder at the Sherman Bible Chapel, presiding. Burial will be held at the Hale Eddy Cemetery at a later date.

Ralph was born in Deposit, NY on December 18, 1938 to Kenneth R. Smith and Lois Palmatier Smith. He attended Deposit Central High School where he distinguished himself as a wrestler and football player, earning the nickname, “Ralph Rockin’ Smith”. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps from December 4, 1956 to December 3, 1959. While in the Marines, he achieved Sharpshooter recognition and served as Captain’s Orderly on the Naval Cruiser USS Canberra. Ralph married Evelyn F. Skellett on January 9, 1960 in Deposit, New York and they were inseparable for 51 years until she joined the Lord on June 26, 2011. He worked for Scintilla Magneto Company, Queens Farm Dairy, Bulkmatic Transport Co. and Indian Country Inc. Ralph drove over 1 million miles as a truck driver in order to support his growing family. He starred as a semi-pro football player for the Oneonta Indians and a youth coach for baseball, football, and wrestling.

Ralph is preceded in death by his wife Evelyn Smith, father Kenneth Smith, mother Lois Smith, sister Sandra Dickinson, brother-in-laws Claude Bush and Edward Lengel, and daughter-in-law Robbin Smith.

Ralph is survived by his five children and their spouses - Kelly/Wayne Wormuth, Allison/Brian Wingerter, Ralph Jr./Patti Smith, Tracey/David Hunter, and Steven Smith. He is survived by his brother Phillip/Pearl Smith, and sisters Rebecca/Roger Newman, Roberta Lengel and brother-in-law Clyde Dickenson. He is survived by his 13 grandchildren – Amanda/Pat O’donnell, Shane/Kristen Smith, Joshua/Kyla Wormuth, Melinda/Matt Little, Sean Wingerter, Nathan/Echo Wormuth, Bridget Wingerter, Lukas Hunter, Wayne Wormuth, Zachary Smith, Trevor Hunter, Tara Wingerter, and Makayla Smith. Also by his 12 great-grandchildren – Jesse O’donnell, Alexis O’donnell, Isabella O’donnell, Madison Wormuth, Briella McKee, Adreyonna Wormuth, Penelope Wormuth, Presley Smith, Willow Wormuth, Dainen Little, Kolton Smith, and Aida Little.

Ralph was a devoted husband, loyal friend and loving father. He had a kind heart and a strong faith in Christ. He loved traveling, gaming, music, watching a good movie, hunting, fishing, mowing, playing cards/games with family and friends, and spending time with his Marine Brothers, Phil Schultz, Lenny ‘Ski’ Kucharski, Leo Estes, Domer Ringuette, Hans Sievertsen.

The family of Ralph R. Smith, Sr. wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Webber and nurses with the Veterans in Binghamton, NY and Tiffany Gates-Maby with Windsor Family Care Center.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to Ralph’s precious great-granddaughter’s “turning on my ears” fund would be welcomed. Aida was born deaf and will be undergoing surgery for cochlear implants later this year. Please send any donations to Ms. Melinda Little, 145 Westbrook Hills Drive, Syracuse, NY 13215. In the memo section write “Aida-Turning on my Ears”.

Condolences may be expressed at www.zachariasfuneralhome.com.

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