Warren County native Ralph Edward Smith was born on Jan. 4, 1943, and passed on April 21, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his parents James and Edith Smith, grandson Jacob Reed, and granddaughter Kaci Wilson. 

 Ralph worked as a superintendent at Carrier for 34 years. He truly enjoyed retirement: playing golf, growing roses, going to the beach and mowing his yard. “Daddy Ralph” or “Bud” was a loving husband, devoted father, and adoring grandfather and great grandfather. Lately, he loved watching Westerns and sitting on the porch.

 He  is survived by his wife of 62 years, Betty Kay Sain Smith, daughters Stacy (Eric) Wilson of Sanford, N.C., and Suzanne (Johnny) Reed of Woodbury, grandsons Justin (Sara) Reed of McMinnville, and Nathanael (Abigail) Wilson, and great grandson Camden Wilson also of Sanford, NC, two brothers Michael (Marilyn) Smith of Houston,  TX, and Jimmy (Mary Jo) Smith of Manchester and several nieces and nephews. 

 Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 25, 2026, at McMinnville Funeral Home. Johnny Reed and Justin Reed will officiate. Interment will be held at Viola Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at 3 p.m. on Saturday.

 In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the Kaci Wilson Scholarship Fund, c/o College Heights Foundation, Western Kentucky University, 1906 College Height Blv. 41016, Bowling Green, KY 42101. 

 Online condolences may be made at www.mcminnvillefuneralhome.com

 McMinnville Funeral Home is honored to be of service to the family of Ralph Smith.

Main Street Journal

April 22, 2026

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