Ralph Willard Smith

Ralph Willard Smith, age 84, peacefully passed away at his home on May 22, 2026. He entered the gates of Heaven after a courageous battle with cancer. Private funeral services were held Monday, May 25, 2026, at 10:00 A.M. in Cedar Hill Cemetery in Cochran.

Ralph, raised in Cochran, had lived most of his life in Warner Robins. He was the son of the late Felton and Nancy Jane Purser Smith, and was preceded in death by his siblings, Faye Perryman, Bernard Smith, June Smith, Skeet Smith, and Nell Dykes. Ralph was a 1960 graduate of Cochran High School and proudly served four years in the United States Air Force. He was employed with tele communications for 39 years, working at Robins Air Force Base as a contractor. Ralph had a kind and generous soul, always willing to help his neighbors and friends when they needed an extra hand. He was a gifted wood worker and wood carver, creating many duck decoys, Santa figurines, wooden bowls and countless other handcrafted projects. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed gardening, working in the yard, and spending his mornings drinking coffee on the back porch. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Warner Robins.

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Dale Smith and his daughter, Tara Leigh Smith. He is also survived by his siblings, Ruth Ward and Louie Smith and his lifelong friend, Harley Davidson.

We want to thank the kind and compassionate caregivers from Visiting Angels and Gentiva Hospice, as well as all the healthcare providers that took care of him during his illness.