Mr. James Ronald Smith a long-time community resident passed away on April 1, 2022.  J. Ron graduated from the University of Florida in 1962 and continued his law degree at Stetson University graduating in 1966. As an attorney he worked for Smith, Cassidy, Platt and Harris and later Lilly, O'Toole and Brown.

He was a valued member of the Florida Bar and Florida Trial Lawyers Association for over forty-five years.  He also participated in Florida Blue Key, was elected to the University of Florida Hall of Fame and was past President of the Florida Trial Lawyers Association serving from 1987 to 1988.

He enjoyed reading and of course, University of Florida sports!  He was an avid runner and ran several marathons.

He is remembered as a loving father and husband and a leader who stood up for those who were wrongfully injured.

He is survived by his son James R Smith II, a brother Donald Smith and sister, Sue Tewksbury, Grandchildren Agnes Helena Smith, James Ronald Smith III, Ella Rose Elizabeth Smith, Madison Orrell and Nathanial Orrell.

He is preceded in death by his wife Sheila Carlton Smith and daughter Shannon Smith Orrell.

There will be a Visitation, Wednesday, April 6, 2022, at 10:30am – 11:00am at the Ponger-Kays-Grady Chapel in Wauchula. The service will follow at 11:00am with the Burial to follow at the Wauchula City Cemetery.

On-line condolences may be made at www.pongerkaysgrady.com

Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Homes, Wauchula are in charge of the arrangements.