Ronald E. Smith, graphic designer
Ronald E. Smith, 80, of Ocean View, formerly of Herndon, Va., was called home to be with our Lord Jesus Christ Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019.
Upon high school graduation from Allegheny High in Cumberland, Md., in 1957, Ron enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves, where he served six years. During his time in the Marine Corps, Ron worked as a cartographer designing military maps in Arlington, Va. Ron had an extensive career in the graphic design and publication business in McLean, Va. for 44 years, where he obtained use of the first Xerox machine and led a publications group that earned his company 300 national and international awards.
Ron was a faithful member of the Millville United Methodist Church as well as a member of the Ocean View Planning & Zoning Committee. Ron was an avid Redskins fan, enjoyed meeting new people, loved the beach, and socializing with his many friends at The Cottage Café, where he could frequently be spotted in a bright-colored shirt, and, of course, a matching watch.
Ron is preceded in death by his loving wife, Nancy L. Smith; his mother, Georgia Hardy Smith; father, Robert Smith; sister Beverly Smith Hardinger; nephew Ronald Mele; niece Calissta Harden Freedman; and granddaughter, Zoe Alajandra Ruiz.
Ron is survived by two children, Lori (Kline) Ruiz and her husband Juan Carlos Ruiz of Woodbridge, Va., and Tracy (Kline) Gonzalez of Dagsboro; a grandson Zachary Gonzalez; two sisters, Gwen Smith Harden and her husband Tom Harden of Lewes, and Carolyn Smith Mele and her husband Jim Mele of Sarasota, Fla.; friend and companion Carolyn Sue Brown of Fayetteville, N.C.; six nieces; two nephews; and several great-nieces and -nephews.
A visitation will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 20, at Millville United Methodist Church, 36405 Clubhouse Road, Millville, where the funeral service will begin at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Ron’s name to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society by visiting www.lls.org, or to the Millville United Methodist Church at the above address.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com
