WATERVILLE- Ronald Linwood Smith, known as “Ron" or “Ronnie” to his friends, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2026, after a brief hospitalization in Augusta, Maine, at the age of 89. Born on June 9, 1937, in Waterville, Maine, he spent most of his life in the Fairfield and Waterville area. He lived a full and vibrant life devoted to family, hard work, and community.

A proud graduate of Lawrence High School's Class of 1955, Ron was a regular at annual alumni meetings for most of his life. Ron began his career at Harris Baking Co. in 1953 while he was still in high school. Over the course of more than three decades with the company, he held a variety of roles, starting in the bakery and storefront before spending 21 years as a truck driver, a job he truly loved. His strong work ethic and commitment to customer service were evident throughout his professional journey. After leaving Harris Baking Co. in 1985, Ron continued his trucking career before moving into office management. He worked for Parker Bailey & Sons United Van Lines from 1986 to 1993, then joined Allens Transfer & Storage, in a similar capacity until his retirement in 2004.

Ron’s passion for driving brought him back to work two years later when he accepted a position with Kennebec Valley Community Action Program as an agency van driver. What began as a part-time role quickly became a full-time job that he embraced wholeheartedly for another 13 years until retiring again at the remarkable age of 82. He was especially touched when the members of the High Hopes Clubhouse presented him with a homemade congratulatory poster upon his retirement. It hung in his office for the rest of his life as a cherished reminder of the lives he had impacted.

Among Ron's proudest accomplishments was his longtime membership in the Waterville Rotary Club. He faithfully served as Sergeant-at-Arms, and in 2007 he was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow and presented with a captain's chair engraved with the words “Thanks for always being here and putting a smile on our faces”, a gift he treasured. He was also a Mason for more than 50 years, valuing the fellowship, service, and traditions of the fraternity. Ron was especially proud of his membership with the Waterville Elks Lodge. He joined the Elks in 1988, and served as Exalted Ruler from 1993–1994 and remained a devoted and active member of the Lodge for the rest of his life.

Ron was the proud father of six children—Randy, Sheryl, Andrew, Norman, Karen and Susan —from his first marriage and later embraced Sheila’s children—Joanna, Belinda, Richard and Andrew—into his life. Whether attending sporting events, plays, dance recitals, or graduations, he took great pride in the lives and accomplishments of his children and grandchildren, always willing to lend his support.

It was later in life that Ron found the love of his life in Sheila. Together they shared 32 wonderful years filled with laughter, companionship, and unwavering devotion. They brought out the very best in one another, and joyfully embraced each other's children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Sheila brought Ron happiness, comfort, and purpose, and he never stopped reminding others how fortunate he was to have found her.

Ron found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He was an avid harmonica player who delighted those around him with music. He enjoyed country music, cheering on the Patriots on Sunday afternoons, golfing, trivia, and researching his family's genealogy. In recent years, his happiest moments were often the simplest— meeting his best friend, Don, for breakfast every Saturday morning as he had for thirty years, and sitting outside in the sunshine enjoying the companionship of Sheila and their dog, Shawna.

Over the years, he shared his life with three beloved dogs—Pepper, Punky, and Shawna. Just days after Ron’s passing, Shawna, his devoted 12 year old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, quietly followed him and is once again by his side, a bittersweet comfort to those who loved them.

Ron is survived by his beloved wife, Sheila Smith; his children, Randall Smith of Florida; Sheryl Cole of Norridgewock; Andrew Smith of Waterville; Norman Smith and his wife, Silvia, of Harsdorf, Germany; Karen Ross of Norridgewock; and Susan Gordon and her husband, Tom, of Waterville; his stepchildren, Joanna Kent; Belinda Day and her husband, Mike; and Richard Mosher and his wife, Mary; his stepdaughter-in-law, Shirley Stanley; his siblings, Albert Smith of Arizona; Glorilee (Smith) Mills of Waterville; Linda (Smith) Gilbert and her husband, Joseph, of Augusta; Ervin Emery and his wife, Brenda, of Clinton; and Charles Emery and his wife, Betty, of North Carolina; and by many cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and several nieces, and nephews.

He was predeceased by his son-in-law Cpl. Eugene Cole; his brother Erwin Emery; his stepson Andrew Mosher; his stepson-in-law Dennis Kent; and his great-grandson Billy Cole.

Ron will be remembered for his kindness, quick wit, unwavering work ethic, and genuine love for family and friends. He lived a life of service, gratitude, and purpose, leaving behind a legacy that will live on in all who knew and loved him.

A Celebration of Ron's Life will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Waterville Elks Lodge outdoor pavilion. The service will be followed by refreshments and fellowship, where family and friends are invited to share memories and celebrate Ron's life together. Following the gathering, the family will lay Ron to rest at Pine Grove Cemetery in Waterville, Maine.

In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Ron's memory by donating blood through the American Red Cross. Throughout the final year of his life, Ron depended on the generosity of blood donors, whose selfless gifts allowed him to spend more meaningful time with his family.