Passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side, Thursday November 26, 2015 at the Joliet Area Community Hospice Home after a 24 year battle with cancer. Age 79. Survived by his loving wife of 56 years Nancy (nee Cox ) Smith; son David (Janice); a daughter Susan Smith and two grandsons Gregory and Brandon Smith. Two brothers Gerald (Nancy) Smith and Richard (Sally) Smith; two nieces and one nephew also survive. Preceded in death by his parents Alfred and Cleda Smith. Born in Joliet and a lifelong resident, and Army Veteran stationed in Korea. Ronald worked at Argonne National Laboratories and General Electric. He was an avid trainer of Springer Spaniels, and was a member of the Spaniel Club of Calumet for over 50 years. A special thanks to Dr. Wunderlich, Dr. Suh and the staff of JOHA and the Joliet Area Community Hospice. Funeral services will be held from the Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home 2320 Black Road at 11:00 A.M. Interment Woodlawn Memorial Park. Memorials to American Cancer Society or Joliet Area Community Hospice would be appreciated. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until time of services. For information please call (815)744-0022 or visit www.chsfuneral.com