Ronald Smith Obituary

Ronald James Smith, age 82, passed away on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in Clovis, NM. Rosary will be held Friday, May 23, 2025, at 6:00 pm at The Chapel 1500 Thornton St. Clovis, NM, Luis Campos will recite the rosary. Mass of the Christian Burial will be held Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 11:00am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church 921 Merriwether Street, Clovis, NM with Father Franklin Iwuagwu officiating. Burial will be held at Fort Stanton Veteran Cemetery with Military Honors at a later date.Honorary Pallbearers will be his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Ronald was born on August 6, 1942, to Edgar James Smith and Myrtie Perlene Copeland Smith in Portales, New Mexico. He married his faithful companion and love of his life, Sheila Smith, on November 24, 2005, in Las Vegas, Nevada. He affectionately called her "Calamity".
Although Ronald was born in Portales, he had many moves in his childhood and would often laugh about how many elementary schools he attended in Portales, Clovis, Arizona and Albuquerque. Ronald and a friend decided they would rather serve their country than finish high school, so at the age of 17 years, Ronald enlisted in the United States Army February 19, 1960. He was sent to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, serving 3 years with the 101st Airborne Battle Group, 187th Infantry. During his time in the Army, he served at the government's pleasure. However, in 1962 he and his fellow paratroopers awaited a jump from Florida into Cuba during The Cuban Missile Crisis which, luckily was averted. He made 36 parachute jumps during his Army career. On November 15, 1963, Ronald married his first wife Joyce Smith, and they had one daughter Scarlet. One of Ronald saddest moments of his life was the death of his brother Lloyd. Lloyd followed in Ronald's footsteps and joined the Military, during the Vietnam Conflict. While serving in Dak-To Vietnam, Lloyd lost his life defending our country. Ronald has carried this heartache with him all these years and now they will have a reunion that Ronald has been awaiting.
On release from the Army Ronald attended Beauty School in Clovis. That choice brought him the privilege of doing many famous people's hair during his career as a beautician. He was a member of a quartet of hairstylists called the Dream Dare Doers and they traveled together participating in and winning competitions throughout the Southwest of the USA. Ronald was an avid golfer playing daily with a group of golfers that became his golf family. He also enjoyed the outdoors, riding his dirt bike in the mountains, fishing and camping. He was a great poker player and one time he won 13k BIG MONEY at the Sandia Casino and won a total of 3 seats in the World Poker Tournament in Las Vegas. One of his biggest achievements was earning his Black belt in Tae Kwando. Ronald and his constant companion Sheila spent almost 25 years traveling, playing golf and simply having fun. He was a member of VFW3280, Elks 1244, Fraternal Order of Eagles, and lifetime member of American Legion, Post 31 of Portales. Ronald played in the pool league for ELKS team 1. Ronald was named by his mother after Ronald Reagan and was in every sense of the word a staunch Republican and a true patriot who loved his country.
Ronald is survived by his wife Sheila Smith of the home, Children: Scarlet Smith of Lubbock, TX; David Worch (Donna) of Buena vista, Colorado; Hayley Person ( JR) of Altus, OK; Brothers: Larry Smith ( Jimmie Sue ) of Tucumcari, NM; Anthony Smith ( Donna) of Clovis, NM, much loved sister; Kathy Smith of Albuquerque, NM, Nieces; Tessa Schuettenhelm and family, Natalie Rainey and family, Angie Darling and family. Grandchildren: Oliver Person (Amanda), Rosie Person (Robert), Cindy Sauter, great-grandchildren; Izzy, Violet, Jasmine, Gabriel, Xavier, Tempest, Willow, Malachi, Addison, Annaston, Arlie-Jane, and great-grandchild; Amilya.
He is preceded in death by his parents; Edgar James and Myrtie Smith, Brother; Lloyd, Sisters; Donna, Sandra, and Linda. Granddaughter; Melissa, and great-granddaughter; Storme Rose.
Many thanks to the staff of Interim Hospice, especially Alex Brad Ruth and Kelsey.
Funeral dinner will be held at BPOE Elk's Lodge #1244, 218 Sycamore St, Clovis, NM 88101 following services.
Family has asked for everyone to wear Red, White, and Blue in honor of Memorial Day.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Wreaths Across America in Ronald's memory.
Arrangement have been entrusted to Muffley Funeral Home, www.muffleyfuneralhome.com (575)762-4435.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ronald, please visit our floral store.