Ron D Smith, N7RD SK Ronald Dale Smith AUGUST 23, 1948 – SEPTEMBER 24, 2023 IN THE CARE OF Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services – Golden Door Ronald Dale Smith, 75, of Sun City West, AZ, passed away on September 24th, 2023. Born in Paris, Illinois in 1948, he graduated from Tuscola High School in 1966, joined the Air Force, and fought in the Vietnam War as a KC-135 Boom Operator. On January 15, 1977 he married his soul mate, Judy. In December of 1977, his daughter, Jenny, was born. Ron and Judy moved to Phoenix Arizona, where their son Daniel was born in 1980. Ron is survived by his loving wife Judy and their two children Daniel Smith, and Jenny Gruenemeier (Jeff). Ron was a devoted grandfather to 4 grandchildren: Kaylee (Austin), Ethan, Ty, and Landon. He is survived by his sister, Sandy Wagoner. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Jeri Smith. Ron worked as a tool and die maker for the Aerospace industry from 1978 until he retired in 2015. He was an avid Ham radio operator since he became licensed in 1987. Ron was an active member of the Central Arizona DX Association, where he served as past Vice President and Director-at-Large. He has now joined the silent keys as N7RD SK. He had many close friends and family who will remember him as a hard working, family man, with a straightforward sense of humor. He will be missed here on earth, but celebrated in heaven. Services for Ron will be held Saturday, October 21st at 1:00p.m. at Community of Grace Lutheran in Peoria, Arizona. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AdvantageGoldenDoor.com for the Smith family. https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/youngtown-az/ronald-smith-11475553
