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William Ronald Smith, 86, of Salisbury, died Saturday, Sept.21, 2024 at Novant Health Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte, NC after declining health of three years.

He was born July 11, 1938 in Davie County to the late Cicero “Sid” Watkins Smith and Mary Frances Call Smith.  He was a graduate of the Class of 1956 from Cooleemee High School. He was a member of St. Matthews Lutheran Church.

In addition to his parents, Ron was preceded in death by: his wife, Loretta Austin Smith, whom he married July 9, 1961; and brother, Anthony Earl Smith.

Surviving is: son, Randall Todd (Kelly) Smith of Salisbury; daughter, Rhonda Smith (John) Elliott of Gold Hill; grandson, Corbin A. Elliott; granddogs, Harley James Smith and Lilly-Ann Noel Smith; sister, Marsha Smith (Robert) Correll  of Mocksville; sister-in-law, Helen Peacock; brothers-in-law, Ernest (Pat) Austin and Rick (Pat) Austin; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ron was well known for his talent of upholstering.  His upholstering career began at Carter Chair, summer of 1956. He owned his own upholstering shop for a number of years. Other places of employment included Proctor Chemical, WA Brown and Son, Reynolds, Daniel Construction, Oakwood Mobile Homes and Rowan-Salisbury School Food Service, where he retired. After retirement, he continued to produce upholstered pieces of perfection from Ron’s Enterprise Upholstery Unlimited.

Mr. Ron was a simple man.  He loved God and food, especially footlong hotdogs all the way, no mustard, country ham, Funyuns and pinto beans. He loved NASCAR and was a loyal Ford fan. Other loves were chewing Red Man tobacco, listening to bluegrass music and his pride and joy, grandson Corbin.

The family will receive friends and loved ones from 3-3:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 25 at the Family Life Center at St. Matthews Lutheran Church. A funeral service will be held at 4 p.m. in the church sanctuary with interment following in the church cemetery.

     Memorials: Victory Junction, 4500 Adam’s Way, Randleman, NC 27317; or online at victoryjunction.org.

Powles Staton Funeral Home of Rockwell is assisting the Smith family. Online condolences may be made at www.powlesfuneralhome.com.