Ronald Eugene Smith, known by his family and friends as Bubba, was surrounded by loved ones when he lost his battle with cancer on January 19, 2016 at the Greene County Medical Center in Jefferson. He was 65 years of age.
A Service of Remembrance was held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 22, 2016 at Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home, Jefferson. Words of comfort were given by Rev. Sheldon Henderson of Central Christian Church, Jefferson. Honorary casket bearers were Scott Davis, Jay McClintock, Jack Smith and Rod Goodrich. Casket bearers were Brad Bogue, Leonard Dickey, John Zepp, Jason Zepp, Derek Ott and Randy Harter. Recorded music included “Bat Out of Hell” by Meat Loaf, “Beautiful Day” by U2, and “Girl With No Eyes” by It’s A Beautiful Day. Interment was in Jefferson Cemetery.
Bubba was a Jefferson hometown boy. He had been a successful over-the-road truck driver before driving a mail truck and starting R & S Bait Shop. Bubba was recognized by a local Iowa television station on “Douda’s People” for his bait shop and creating custom built fishing rods and reels. Anyone who got a custom rod from Bubba appreciated the craftsmanship that went into their rod. Bubba was a person who always had a tale to tell. He was a unique person with a great sense of humor. During his final days of battle, Bubba continued to wear his crazy wigs and shades, making jokes and making nurses laugh. He was Bubba in every sense of the word until the end.
Bubba was preceded in death by his son, Jacob Smith; his parents, Jack and Hazel Smith; and his brothers, Ed Smith and Jim Smith.
He is survived by his children: daughter, Bobbie Hewton of Colorado; daughter-in-law, Mara Smith of Fort Dodge, IA; daughter, Rhonda (Scott) Davis of Jefferson, IA; Tina (Jay) McClintock of Lake View, IA, and daughter, Michelle Preston of Tampa, FL; brother, Jack (Linda) Smith of Bayard, IA; sister, Jan Scheuermann of Bagley, IA; ten grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and beloved friends.
Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home, (515) 386-2171.