Ronald Howard Smith

Ronald Howard (Butch) Smith, 72, of Statesville, died Thursday, January 14, 2016 unexpectedly at Iredell Memorial Hospital. Born July 12, 1943 in Iredell County, he was a son of the late Howard Astor Smith and Arlene Deal Russell. He was a graduate of Statesville High School, Mitchell Community College and Davidson Community College. He was a member of Oakland Presbyterian Church and was a member of the Session. He was a member of Statesville Masonic Lodge # 27 A.F. & A.M. and served as Master of the lodge in 2005. He was also a member of the Scottish and York Rites. He served in the U. S. Army in the 41st Civil Affairs Unit at Fort Gordon, Georgia from 1961 to 1964. He enjoyed talking and working with his co-workers, loved his grandsons who were the light of his life and was an avid fisherman enjoying fishing at the Outer Banks. He also loved mowing his yard and visiting with his neighbors. He was a nature lover and was employed by Speedball Art Products at the time of his death. On December 15, 1961, he married the former Mildred (Pat) Prevette who survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Karen S. Johnson (Robert) of Dublin, Ohio and Elizabeth S. (Sissy) Rule (Dave) of Manteo, N.C. along with his grandsons: David W. Rule (Amy) of Cincinnati, Ohio, William A. Rule of Manteo, N.C. and Samuel H. Johnson of Dublin, Ohio. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, January 17, 2016 at Oakland Presbyterian Church with Rev. Steve Snipes officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery with the presentation of Masonic Rites. The members of his Masonic lodge will serve as active and honorary pallbearers. The family will receive friends Saturday evening at Nicholson Funeral Home from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Condolences may be sent online to the family to www.nicholsonfunerals.com. Memorials may be given to the Masonic Home For Children At Oxford, 600 College St., Oxford, N.C. 27565 or to the American Heart Association, 128 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, N.C. 28202. Nicholson Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.