John Ronald Smith

John Ronald Smith, 78, of Louisville passed away on 4/28/2023 at Norton Brownsboro Hospital. He was born on 12/25/1944 in Louisville, KY to Mattie Jane (Gilkey) and Everett Smith. He attended high school at DeSales where he excelled in football, track & field and made many lifelong friends. 

After graduating from Eastern KY University with a degree in Business Administration he furthered his education earning a Masters degree in Psychology from the University of Louisville. He enlisted in the Marine Corp in 1969 where he rose to the rank of Corporal. He was honorably discharged in 1975 & returned to Louisville to begin his career. He was Director of Training at KCPC for over 25 years. After retiring he became a JCPS instructor with Ahrens Educational Resource Center. He was respected by his colleagues and was a mentor and friend to many. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Hazelle, and their three children: Matthew (Amanda), Mark, and Lora Smith Haverly (Chad) as well as 4 grandchildren, Brandon, Truly, Parker & Presley. He is also survived by his brother, Harold Smith & sister, Dorothy Chamberlain (Curtis) as well as many nieces, nephews & cousins whom he loved dearly. He is preceded in death by his parents & sister, Barbara Clemmons. 

Outside of work he was a dedicated family man. He could be found coaching his children’s sports teams, holding position as the Mayor of his neighborhood in Crestwood for over a decade, and even became the high school sports announcer at South Oldham in the 90’s. He loved his family above all else, he was a cherished foodie and was known to never turn down a fried fish sandwich. He was selfless. He was loyal. He was a wonderful husband, father, sibling & friend to all who know him & he will forever be missed. We will carry him with us in our hearts for the rest of our days.

A celebration of life will be held Thursday, 5/11/2023, from 4-7 PM with a memorial service following at 7 PM at Stoess Funeral Home: 6534 W. Hwy 22, Crestwood KY 40014

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