Dr. Ronald D. Smith

Dr. Ronald D. Smith, 81, of Vicksburg, born August 4, 1943, died August 26, 2025 in his sleep at home following a long battle with cancer.

Dr. Smith was raised in Vicksburg by his parents, Gerald and Lorene Smith, both longtime residents. He attended Vicksburg schools and then in 1967 received his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Michigan State University.

Soon after, Dr. Smith joined the U.S. Peace Corps as a large animal veterinarian and spent three years working with small ranchers in Ecuador, South America.

It was in Ecuador where Dr. Smith met the love of his life, Lupe Calvachi, the daughter of a business owner in the town of Santo Domingo. They were married in Ecuador in 1968 and after two years moved back to the United States where they raised two children, Ronald P. Smith and Veronica Levin.

Upon his return from Ecuador, Dr. Smith earned his Master of Science and PhD in Veterinary Medical Science at the University of Illinois. In 1974 he joined the faculty at the university's College of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Smith was asked to head a project which was a collaboration between the Mexican department of agriculture and the University of Illinois. Dr. Smith and family relocated to Mexico City from 1975 to 1980.

Upon returning to Illinois from Mexico, Dr. Smith taught and conducted research at the College of Veterinary Medicine until retiring as Department Head in 2005.

He also authored a college text book “Veterinary Clinical Epidemiology: From Patient to Population”, which he revised multiple times, including the fourth during retirement.

Following retirement Dr. Smith returned to his hometown of Vicksburg where he lived the rest of his life.

Dr. Smith had numerous interests throughout his life including going on group rides with his Harley-Davidson, and playing racquetball.

He was an active member of the community, serving on the Village Board, Vicksburg Historical Society, Vicksburg Library Board, Sunset Lake Association and the local Lions club. He managed the Sunset Lake Water Trail Facebook page. He was featured in a Travel Channel "Mysteries at the Museum" episode, on ice harvesting in Sunset Lake in Vicksburg and ice-cooled railroad cars. He was a kind neighbor, and a loving and supportive family man.

Dr. Smith is survived by his wife Lupe Smith, son Ronald P Smith and his wife Caroline, daughter Veronica Levin and her husband Scott, brother Stephen Smith, and grandchildren Brendan, Stefan, Aaron, Whitman, and Kenyon.

The family is hosting a celebration of his life at Vicksburg United Methodist Church on Oct 11 from 1 to 3 PM. Those wishing to make gifts can donate to the Vicksburg Historical Society and the YMCA of greater Kalamazoo, two organizations he was involved with.

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Dr. Smith's guestbook and/or share your favorite memory with his family.

The Smith family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 409 South Main Street, Vicksburg, MI 49097 (269) 649-1697.