Ronald J. Smith, 83, of Lancaster, PA, passed peacefully from this life into the glory of heaven and into the loving arms of his God and Savior, Jesus Christ, at Hospice of Mount Joy, on Thursday, September 3, 2020. He was the husband of the late Doris A. Mauer Smith, who passed away in 2016. Born in Renovo, PA, he was the son of the late Woodrow "Dit" and the late Allene Saxton Smith, and the stepson of the late Francis Drumater. As a child, his desire to serve our country was so strong that he was "less than honest" about his age and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps to fight in the Korean War. He was very proud of his service as a combatant in the Korean War and later returned stateside to serve as a Military Policemen at the Philadelphia Naval Yard and at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. While in the Marine Corps, he answered an ad in a magazine offering money for original song lyrics. On his bunk, in just twenty minutes he penned the lyrics to the song "Squaws Along the Yukon" which was later recorded by Hank Thompson and for which he received fifty dollars. (You can find the song on YouTube if you are interested). After leaving the Marine Corps, Ron worked at various jobs and even played preseason football for the Philadelphia Eagles. He became a fabric cutter for the Flex Steel Corporation and retired after serving the company for 42 years. While employed at Flexsteel he also worked as a part-time furniture salesman for Gimbles at Park City mall. He was a skilled and avid golfer, eventually opening his own business, Ron Smith's Golf Shop Ltd, where he repaired, regripped, and custom-built golf clubs. He is survived by his children: Sandra L. married to Andrew McCauley of Myerstown, Shawn M. married to Amy Smith of Lancaster, Scott A. Smith of Lititz, and Steven A. Smith of Lancaster; his 4 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild; and his sister, Carol A. Hulslander of Mainesburg, PA. He was preceded in death by his sister, Judith Lord. FUNERAL DETAILS Join us to honor and celebrate Ron's life on Saturday, September 12th at the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Lititz Pike Chapel located near the Lancaster Airport at 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543. Visitation with the family will begin at 2:00 pm. The funeral service will begin at 2:30 pm. IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND Due to limitations caused by the corona virus the service and visitation will be outdoors under a large tent. Ron's family understands that many of you who wish to attend may not be able to due to concerns for your own health or the health of a loved one. They wish to thank you for being with them in spirit as they are also with you. If you do choose to attend please realize that masks may be required. DRESS IS CASUAL Ron lived out the motto, "Once a Marine, Always a Marine!" He was a proud patriot who respected and honored every person who ever served our country and our communities in the military, law enforcement, or as a first responder. Ron's family invites you to join them in honoring Ron's spirit by dressing casually and wearing red, white, and blue or by wearing a T-shirt that honors our first responders, police officers, or military.

PLEASE DO NOT SEND FLOWERS In Lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Ron's memory to Hospice & Community Care, 685 Good Drive, Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125.