UNIONVILLE – Ralph T. Smith, 79, passed away Dec. 31, 2007, at an Ellsworth health care facility, after a lengthy and courageous battle as a double amputee and other numerous health problems. Ralph will be fondly remembered for his kindness, generosity, strength of spirit, and sense of humor. He wasn’t one to ever complain and would give you the shirt off his back. He was born June 16, 1928, in Whitneyville, the son of the late Lee and Elizabeth (Palmer) Smith. Ralph worked as a surveyor for Eastern Pulpwood in the late 1940s and early 1950s. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army having served in the Korean War from 1951 to 1952. Ralph worked at Fred O’Brien’s Mill and also for A.R. Whitten & Son for several years. Ralph worked for many years as an equipment operator at Jasper Wyman & Son, eventually retiring from there. During his retirement, he enjoyed working the blueberry grounds. He was a member of the American Legion, Cherryfield. Ralph was an avid gardener and had quite a green thumb. He also enjoyed his annual fishing trips with his friends to Canada. Ralph is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 57 years, Lorraine “Bugs” (Leighton) Smith; children, Thomas R. Smith of Unionville and Crystal (Smith) King of Woolwich; one granddaughter, Melissa Pletts and husband, Nick, of Brunswick; one great-grandson, Owen; one great-grandchild on the way; siblings, Irving Smith and wife, Margaret, Doris Grant and husband, Liston, Donald Smith and wife, Sylvia, Alice Grace, and Horace Smith and wife, Gerri; sister-in-law, Truth Whitten and husband, Clair; many nieces and nephews; and many special neighbors and friends. He was predeceased by two brothers, Lee Smith Jr. and Eben Smith; and a brother-in-law, Richard Grace. A funeral service will be held 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 3, at Bragdon-Kelley-Camp-bell Funeral Home, Milbridge. Interment will be at Unionville Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Ark Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 276, Cherryfield, ME 04622. www.bragdonkelley.com
RALPH T. SMITH
