Roll Call Tribute

Ronald Davis Smith 

August 4, 1947 - November 8, 2022 

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Ronald Davis Smith of Wylie, TX.

Ron, as he was lovingly known, is survived by his wife, Kay Smith, son and daughter-in-law, Lauren and Lindi Smith, daughter and son-in-law, Natalie and Matthew Romanelli, grandsons, Wynn and Wyatt Smith; sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Jack Gardner; brother, David Smith; nephews, Chad Gardner and Joel Smith, and niece, Amanda Smith; as well as extended family and cherished friends and co-workers.

He is preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Dorothy Smith, and his sister-in-law, Betty Smith.

Born in 1947 in Binghamton, NY, Ron was the oldest of three children. At the age of four, Ron became an honorary lifelong Texan when the family moved to Dallas. Ron graduated from Justin F. Kimball High School and was a graduate of Texas A&M University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in architectural construction. Ron remained a proud Aggie throughout his life.

Ron married the love of his life, Kathleen T. Smith, affectionately known as Kay, on April 5, 1981. Ron and Kay have two wonderful children and two precious grandchildren.

One of Ron’s deep passions was being involved in his community. He began his community service as President of the Houston Junior Chamber of Commerce, 1982-1983. During this time, he simultaneously served as chairman of the 1983 Consular Ball. In 1982, Ron was asked to drive a U-Haul truck containing the luggage of Vice President George H. W. and Mrs. Bush to Hobby Airport. Thus began Ron’s privilege of working on the advance team for George H.W. Bush, and he was quickly promoted to Lead Advance, a position he held for twelve years.

Several years later, Ron entered back into community service work as a Loan Executive for the United Way of Dallas. He utilized his expertise to enhance solicitation efforts and broaden the base of community support for the United Way of Dallas. After moving to Wylie in 1999, Ron chose to serve on the planning and zoning board for the community, a position he held for ten years, serving as chairman the last four years of his tenure. His last volunteer position in our community was working as a volunteer for the AT&T Byron Nelson Golf Tournament from 2019-2022, a service he dearly loved. The money from this tournament is used to help thousands of families in our communities.

Ron worked all of his life in the commercial construction industry, serving in many capacities from inception to completion of construction projects, a field for which he had a great knowledge and for which he had a deep love and passion.

In his free time, Ron loved spending time with his family, playing with his grandchildren, strumming his guitar, reading, and discussing politics.