Ralph B. Smith, Sr.

Ralph B. Smith, Sr., 90, of Rock Island, passed away on Wednesday, April 27, 2016 at Silver Cross Nursing Center, Rock Island. A memorial service for Mr. Smith will be 10 am, Wednesday, May 4, 2016  at the Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home & Crematory, Rock Island. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Inurnment will be in the Rock Island National Cemetery, Arsenal Island, where military honors will be conducted. Memorials may be made to South Park Presbyterian Church, Rock Island or to the Quad City Botanical Center, Rock Island.

Ralph was born on March 28, 1926 in Burnside, Kentucky, the son of Fred and Ruth (Kelsey) Smith. He married Louellen Gardner on January 28, 1950 in Louisville, KY. She preceded him in death on August 22, 2011. Mr. Smith was an engineer for the American Air Filter Co., Moline. He retired in 1985 after 30 years of service. Ralph was a member of the South Park Presbyterian Church, Rock Island, and the Blackhawk Hiking Club. He was a volunteer tax preparer for AARP and volunteer driver for Meals on Wheels. Mr. Smith was a U.S. Army World War II veteran.

Survivors include his children, Kathryn (Charles) Schoaf, Morrison, Jeanne Gardner, and Ralph Smith Jr., St. Louis, Missouri; grandchildren, Kristina Cobo and Caroline Willett; great grandchildren, Trevor Cobo and Lily Willett.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Louellen; and a sister, Joanne Wilson. Online condolences may be left for the family at wheelanpressly.com

 Service Information