Mr. Ronald William Smith

Ronald William Smith was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on May 27, 1975, the youngest son of Archie and Nellie Smith. He grew up in Milwaukee with his older brothers, Roger and Mark. As a child, Ron was ambitious, curious and very active, making sure to tell everyone “You can’t tell me what to do!” He seldom walked, always running, and his whereabouts had to be checked often. When he was quiet, he was into something. His sense of humor often brought on that unforgettable laugh. Ron attended Burroughs Middle School and Riverside High School in Milwaukee. He participated in Little League Baseball and Boy Scouts, and volunteered in community service activities such as the Special Olympics, which had a major influence on his life. It was during his sophomore year at high school that Ron discovered his love for science, and learned that science was not only a subject taught in the classroom, but encompassed the world, including nutrition and medicine. A subsequent field trip to the University of Wisconsin gross anatomy lab would leave the ultimate lasting impression on his mind. He decided as a high school student to pursue a career as a physician, a career that would combine his commitment for community service with his passion for the sciences. Ron entered the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the Fall of 1993. He immersed himself in all aspects of university life; he was a proud Badger and cheered the university on as much as possible. He walked on to the Badger Football team the very year they won the Rose Bowl. Ron was also a proud “Greek” and loved his brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Initiated through the Epsilon Theta Chapter on April 1, 1995, he worked diligently and used his passion for service and mentoring to be an example to youth on campus and in the community. Ron was also a mentor to younger Omegas and served the fraternity as a State Representative and President of the Carter G. Woodson Scholarship Foundation. After graduation from college, Ron began a career in enzymology. His first position was as a lab manager at the University of Wisconsin Institute for Enzyme Research. He eventually left academia to work in the private sector. It was during Ron’s experiences at the lab bench, that he realized being a full-time researcher would not satisfy his drive and that his most exciting experiences came when he volunteered in the hospital. As he began to interact with the patients and medical staff, the goal to attend medical school was resurrected. Ron completed a Master’s of Science in Biomedical Sciences at Des Moines University in 2016. He then returned to the University of Wisconsin to pursue a second Master’s degree. At the time of his passing, Ron was four credits shy of completing a Master’s in Bacteriology and was working full time as a biochemist. Ron had completed initial and secondary applications to medical schools and was excited about beginning medical school in the fall and fulfilling his lifelong dream to become a doctor. Ron’s family and his faith were very important to him and fueled his drive and perseverance throughout this life. His spiritual formation began at St. Mark AME Church and later at Mt. Zion Apostolic Assembly where he would worship with his Aunt Louise. He highly respected the late Bishop Dr. Earl Parchia and considered him his father in the ministry. Ron himself began the process of ordination in the Apostolic Church. He served in ministry at The Faith Place in Madison, where he delivered his first sermon. Ron most recently joined DuPage AME Church in Lisle, Illinois. In May 2015 Ron was introduced to the love of his life, Rev. Morgan Dixon, and over the last few years they were building a foundation for the future. Ron and Morgan enjoyed life together to the fullest, travelled and supported one another. Most weekends Ron could be found in Chicagoland visiting and experiencing life with Morgan and her family. In late December 2017 Ron was diagnosed with an aggressive form of pancreatic cancer. He remained resolved in faith for full restoration and healing, and showed courage and optimism in the face of his illness. On Tuesday, January 23, 2018, after a short and valiant fight, Ron went home to be with the Lord. Ron’s parents, Archie and Nellie Smith, preceded him in death. Ron leaves to cherish his memory, life partner, Rev. Morgan Dixon; brothers Roger A. Smith and Mark D. Smith (Tracey); nephew Nicholas; niece Noell; aunts Lois Longmire and Louise Morrison; cousins Patricia Marshall, Walter Longmire (Millicent), Alisa LeFlore, Lorna Piggee (Dennis), Chloe Longmire, Carter Piggee, and Jaden Piggee; Lewis and Ian LeFlore, Elizabeth Marshall, special cousins Dr. Franklin Wilson and Marion Brown, and a host of fraternity brothers, colleagues and friends throughout the years. Ron never met a stranger …

Mr. Ronald William Smith

May 27, 1975 - January 23, 2018