Ralph Jefferson Smith, 89, husband of 57 years to Sybil Satterly Smith, passed away Sunday, December 10, 2017 at his home. Born October 2, 1928 in Anderson County, Ralph was the son of the late Charley B. and Edna Earl Stratton Smith.

A 1947 graduate of Kavanagh High School, Ralph worked as a printer for The Anderson News for 23 years and retired as manager for the University of Kentucky printing department where he worked for 22 years. Ralph was a life member and served as a deacon from 1961 – 2009 and currently as deacon emeritus at the Sand Spring Baptist Church. He taught the junior boys and in the men's Sunday school classes for years. Ralph served as treasurer of the Sand Spring Cemetery for many years and enjoyed photography.

Along with his wife, Ralph is survived by his two children, Susan Smith (Ricky) Haven of Shelbyville and Jeff (Tammy Stephens) Smith of Athens, AL; five grandchildren, Alan Patrick (Jordan) Haven, Sarah Haven (Evan) Cummins, Bradley Thomas (Kelsey) Smith, Kathryn Marie Smith, Bryan Jefferson Smith; two great grandchildren, Sophie Eden Cummins and Aria Elizabeth Smith; two sisters, Valeria (Ben) Taylor of Versailles and Gertrude Peach of Lawrenceburg.

Including his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by two sisters, Wanda Kuddes and Welma Thomas.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Dec. 19 ^th beginning at 1:00 PM at the Sand Spring Baptist Church, 1616 Harrodsburg Rd., Lawrenceburg, KY. Dr. Mike Hamrick and Bro. Tracey Royalty will officiate the service. Burial will follow in the Sand Spring Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Monday, Dec. 18 ^th from 4 – 8 PM at the Ritchie & Peach Funeral Home, 701 N. Main St., Lawrenceburg, KY and on Tuesday, Dec. 19 ^th from 11 AM until the time of service at 1PM at Sand Spring Baptist Church.

Serving as pallbearers will be Alan Haven, Brad Smith, Bryan Smith, Evan Cummins, Larry and Ken Taylor. The deacons and members of the Freedom/Fellowship Sunday School Class of Sand Spring Baptist Church will serve as honorary bearers.

Memorials are suggested to the Sand Spring Baptist Church, P.O. Box 166, Lawrenceburg, KY 40342 or Bluegrass Hospice Care, 663 Teton Trail, Frankfort, KY 40601.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Ritchie & Peach Funeral Home. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.ritchieandpeach.com .