Ralph Smith

TAMMS, Ill. -- Ralph B. Smith, 87, of Tamms died Saturday, April 9, 2005, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

Smith was born Nov. 22, 1917, at Tamms, son of Robert and Vinnie Whitaker Smith.

He was a GMO Railroad switchman for 38 years. He was a member of Tamms United Methodist Church.

Survivors include two daughters, Marilyn Crisler of Tamms, Carolyn Alvis of Jackson, Tenn.; a son, Ralph T. Smith of Dover, Del.; a sister, Irene Pettit of Villa Ridge, Ill., a brother, Melvin Smith of Tamms; 12 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren.

Smith was preceded in death by his wife, Goldie M. Dailey Smith; three brothers; and a sister.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Jones Funeral Home in Tamms.

The funeral will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Larry Buckles officiating. Interment will be in St. John's Cemetery in rural Dongola, Ill.