Ronald L. "Ron" Smith, Jr., age 51 of Rensselaer, passed away unexpectedly at his home early Friday morning, May 27, 2011. He was born in Hammond, Indiana on September 14, 1959, son of Ronald Smith, Sr. and Alleta (Swift) Smith.

In addition to Indiana, Ron had also lived in Texas. He worked installing carpet. He loved fishing, riding motorcycles and music. His favorite music artist was Stevie Ray Vaughn.

Ron is survived by his mother Alleta; three sisters, Victoria Haffner (husband: Doug) of Weatherford, TX, Rhonda Lou Borchert (husband: Raymond Scott) of Lowell, IN, and Sue Ann Pilipovich (husband: Daniel) of Rensselaer; and four brothers, Cyrus Franklin Smith of Dallas, TX, Robert Lee Smith of Indiana, Randall Lynn Smith (wife: Jaquelyn) of Manchester, TN, and Wayne Alan Smith of Rensselaer. Many nieces and nephews also survive.

Ron was preceded in death by his father, Ron, Sr.

The family has chosen cremation and private family services will be held at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the family.

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