Ralph Lee Smith

Ralph Lee Smith, age 73 of Fairfield passed away peacefully at his residence on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 at 4:55 PM. He was born in Hamilton on February 19, 1936 the son of Carl and Ida (Evans) Smith. Ralph was employed as an air supply engineer at G.E. Evendale for 24 years, retiring in 1991. He was a long-time member of Hamilton Christian Center. In addition to being an avid golfer, Ralph played fast pitch softball, including participating in numerous state and regional championships for Champion Papers, Schoenling, Hamilton Hurricanes, and Don Ron’s. He was a coach for Landmark Little League from 1972-1977, Midland Baseball from 1978-2002, Middletown High School Baseball, and Fairfield High School Freshman Basketball and Varsity Baseball. Ralph was a part-time scout for Major League Scouting Bureau and was inducted into the Hamilton High School Hall of Fame, Butler County Hall of Fame, and Ohio Softball Hall of Fame. On January 28, 1956 in Hamilton, he married Jane Hart, and she preceded him in death in 2006.

He is survived by three sons, Doug Smith of Fairfield, Mark Smith of Hamilton, and Danny Smith of Fairfield; a brother, Gene (Glenna) Smith of Hamilton; a sister, Jeanette Barrett of Hamilton; four sisters-in-law, Dorothy Baker of Springboro, Donna Hart of Fairfield, June Smith of West Virginia, and Elaine Smith of Fairfield; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Russell and Alvin Smith.

Funeral service will be held at the Hamilton Christian Center, 1940 Millville Avenue, on Friday, May 15, 2009 at 1:00 PM with Rev. Bobby Mills and Pastor Johnny Wade Sloan officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church on Friday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The family would like to extend special thanks to Brenda Smith, Eric Botts and family, the entire staff of Davita Dialysis for their special care, Drs. Estes, Alberts, Goel, Alter, and Cody, Hospice of Cincinnati nurse Sue Snodgrass, and a lifetime of wonderful friends for their care and support.