Obituary of Donald R. Smith

Donald R. Smith, age 64 of Ransomville died unexpectedly on Monday May 26, 2014 in Mt. St. Mary's Hospital in Lewiston, NY. Don was born August 4, 1949 in Spencer, WV, the son of Betty (Taylor) Smith of Ransomville and the late Homer E. Smith. An U.S. Army Veteran of Vietnam, he served from August of 1967 to his honorable discharge in April of 1970. Don served in the 23rd Administration Co., Americal Division Support Command at Chu Lai from May of 69 to early April of 1970. His unit was the recipient of an Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service in connection with military operations against a hostile force. Don also received the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Sharpshooter Medal (M-14). Don then served in the U.S. Army Reserves, The Army National Guard, and in 1986 he was honorably discharged from the U.S. Air Force Reserves. He married Luz M. (Morales) Smith on October 2, 1971. Don was employed by the former AIRCO Speer and then Carbon Graphite in Niagara Falls for 25 years, retiring in 1992. Don was a member of the Lewiston Assembly of God, American Legion Post, a life member of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 77, and a member of the Disabled American Veterans. He was an advocate for all veterans. Don enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and hiking. He loved country and blue grass festivals, and the banjo. An accomplished gardener, he was a member of the Ransomville and Wilson garden clubs. Don enjoyed playing cards with the senior citizens. He will be remembered for his generosity to his family, friends, and fellow veterans. In addition to his mother, Betty, and his wife, Luz, he is survived by two daughters, Rebecca Smith of Ransomville and Tina Davis of Niagara Falls, NY; his grandchildren, Samantha, Zachary, and Madison Davis, Cierra, Isabella, and Anthony Enzinna; and two sisters, Joanna (Gary) Hayes of Ransomville and Jeanne (Ray) Yarish of Shelton, CT. Friends may call at HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, 3648 Ransomville Road, Ransomville on Friday from 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 PM. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, May 31, at 11:00 AM in the Lewiston Assembly of God, 4754 Creek Rd., Lewiston, with the Rev. Geordie Davey officiating. (Please assemble at Church). Burial with Military Honors will follow in North Ridge Cemetery, Church Rd. Town of Cambria. Memorials may be made to Freedom Village, 6331 Inducon Dr. East, Sanborn, NY 14132.