"Sarge" Ralph Smith, 88, Peacefully passed at his home on May 6, 2013. He was born on February 25, 1925 in Hickory, N.C. to Joseph and Bessie Holman Smith.
He attended school through the 8th. grade and worked various jobs along with his farm work until age 18 when he entered the USMC and served active duty for 20 years during WWII, Korean War, and the Vietnam War retiring June 30, 1965, then transferred to the USMC Fleet Reserves for 10 years officially retiring in 1975.
In 1965, Ralph and his family moved to Princess Anne where he farmed with his father-in-law, J. Lewis Warwick for 30 years, retiring at age 70. Then he worked as the grounds keeper at the American Legion Post 94 until age 80 and then maintaining his own farm and gardens until his death. Ralph loved gardening and sharing his bounty with others. He loved to travel, especially to Hawaii and his greatest joys were his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Ralph's love of serving others was evident by his community involvement. He was a lifetime member of Manokin Masonic Temple, The Scottish Rite, Crisfield Elks Lodge #1044, American Legion Post 94, Boumi Shrine Temple, Eastern Shore Scottish Rite, Eastern Shore Forest #53, Wicomico Chapter #91 O.E.S., Ocean City Shrine Club, Moose International, Eastern Shore Shrine Club, Somerset County Ruritan Club, Maryland Farm Bureau, The Marine Corps League SSgt Walter "Trae" Cohee III Detachment #115 and Antioch United Methodist Church.
Ralph is survived by his daughter, Melody Nelson and husband, Rick; grand-daughter, Sarah Elizabeth Nelson of Washington, D.C.; grandson, Chris Nelson and his wife, Ashleigh and great- grandsons, Alexander and Everett Nelson of Portland, OR. He is survived by his God-daughter, Sarah Lynne Brooks, husband Mike and son, Ian Brooks. He is also survived by his brother, Clyde H. Smith of Land O' Lakes FL, sister-in-law, Marion Smith of Valley Lee, MD, and Ruby Smith of Hickory, N.C., and his dear friend and companion Patsy Wilson of Princess Anne, MD. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Warwick Smith; brothers, Claude W. Smith and Bill Smith; and sister-in-law, Betty Smith.
A viewing will be held at the Hinman Funeral Home, in Princess Anne on Friday, May 10th from 6:30 - 8:30 with a Masonic service at 8:00 p.m.
A funeral service will be held at Antioch United Methodist Church on Saturday, May 11th at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow the service in the Beechwood Cemetery, Princess Anne, MD. Pastor Mark Thomas will officiate.
In Lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Antioch United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 297, Princess Anne, Md, 21853 or Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, 1324 Belmont Ave., Ste 401, Salisbury, MD, 21804.
To leave condolances for the family please visit www.hinmanfuneralhome.com.