Ralph William Smith Sr.'s Obituary
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Mr. Ralph William Smith, Sr. on November 28th, 2023, in Nashville, Tennessee.
Ralph was born on May 19th, 1940, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Chester P. Smith, Sr. and Elizabeth Smith. He proudly served our country in both the Army and the Navy. He was the kindest, most generous soul you could meet, and would gladly give the shirt off of his back to help anyone in need. He was a true family man who adored his children and grandchildren beyond words. You couldn’t take the Pittsburgh out of Ralph as he was loyal to all the local sports teams (go Black and Yellow!). He had a refined music taste and regularly enjoyed listening to anything from jazz, blues, country, and classic rock. He was a shining example to all, and his legacy will live on in the lives of those who knew and loved him.
Ralph is preceded in death by his parents Chester P. Smith, Sr. & Elizabeth K. Smith, brother Chester P. Smith, Jr. and niece Christine A. Pachel.
He is survived by his children Timothy J. Smith, Ralph W. Smith, II (Tammy), Melanie J. Smith and Stephen W. Smith (Dawn); grandchildren Amanda Deckard, Nicholas Smith (Anna), Alexander Smith, Anna Grace Mills (Cade), Madalyn Smith, and Nathan Barbee; great-grandchildren Sarah Delgado, Angel Smith, Auva Smith, Arrow Smith and Jack Mills; siblings James F. Smith (Olga), Mary Alice Davin (Denis), Cynthia Smith and Dorothy Smith; nieces and nephews Cathleen Bowen (Jack), Patricia Szafranski (Kevin), Michael Smith, and Gary Pachel; former wife Johnnie Smith; and a host of extended family and dear friends.
The family cordially invites guests and relatives to join them for a time of visitation on Friday, December 8th, 2023, from five o’clock until eight o’clock in the evening, and on Saturday, December 9th, 2023, from twelve o’clock until two o’clock in the afternoon, with a celebration of life funeral service to follow. Per his wishes, Ralph will be cremated and laid to rest in a private ceremony at Nashville National Cemetery.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family asks donations to be made in Ralph's honor to either the ASPCA or the American Heart Association.
Final arrangements for Mr. Smith, Sr. are entrusted to Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery, “Where Nashville Comes to Remember.”
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