RONALD "GATOR" IRWIN SMITH , 66, formerly of Groveton died peacefully at his home in Fountain Inn, South Carolina on June 18, 2016 after a courageous battle with cancer, with his family by his side.

Ronald was born on February 2, 1950 in Shreveport, Louisiana the son of Oscar Irwin and Callie (Graham) Smith. He was a graduate of Leesville High School in LA, class of 1968. He attended Louisiana Tech until he was drafted into the military in 1971.

Ronald was a member of the Special Forces with the 82nd Airborne Division in Fort Bragg, NC.  After the military he lived in the Stratford/Groveton/Lancaster area.

He worked for the State of New Hampshire Highway Department in Groveton from 1981-1996 and for Wal-Mart Distribution in Laurens, SC from 1997-2014.

Ronald enjoyed spending time with his family; gardening; music; LSU games-Baseball and Football; Little League games; playing Dominoes and loved morning coffee and playing cards with friends and he also enjoyed sunrises. His favorite thing was to spend time with his family. He was known for his sense of humor. He was a hard worker and liked to nap when his day was done.

Ronald is survived by his wife of 37 years, Cynthia Marie (Huntington) Smith of Fountain Inn, SC; one son Cole G. Smith and significant other Sandy Ray of Greer, SC; two daughters Callie M. Dingman and husband James of Lancaster, NH and Brynn A. St. Cyr and husband Shawn of Dalton, NH; seven grandchildren Dylan K. Bishop; Emily R. Hayes; Sierra M. Dingman; Hunter L. Dingman; Alan R. Smith; Tara A. St. Cyr and Mick R. St. Cyr. He is also survived by five siblings Jaqueline N. Adams of Leesville, LA; Thomas O. and Marva Smith of Leesville, LA; Linda F. and Dan Choate of Hot Springs Village, AK; David W. and Yvonne Smith of Bossier City, LA; and Mark G. and Susan Smith of Mauldin, SC and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his father Oscar in 1975 and his mother Callie in 2009.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Ronald's name to the Simon B. Huntington Scholarship Fund; C/O VFW Post 3041; 259 Main Street; Lancaster, NH 03584.

A celebration of Ronald's life will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.