Ralph Eugene Smith

  Ralph Eugene Smith, age 61, of Manheim, passed away on January 4, 2024. He was born in Ephrata, PA. He was the son of the late William E. Smith and Anna Mae Meashey. He enjoyed billiards. He really enjoyed shooting pool one-handed. He also enjoyed darts, hiking, Native American culture, and spending time with the grandchildren. He had careers as a mechanic and a mason. Ralph is survived by brothers: Charles Smith (Elizabethtown) and Jeffrey Smith (Lititz), sisters Pearl Mead (Lititz) and Mare Jane Sweigart married to Jeff (McKean County), 7 children: Krystal Buchter (Shippensburg), Amber, Amanda Mann (Kissimmee, FL), Ashley Ream (Lancaster), Kevin Smith married to Alicia (Lancaster), Summer Smith (Columbia) and Josef Bromhead (York), at least 25 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Ralph is preceded in death by brothers Michael Smith and William Meahey, sister, Roxanne Meinhart, and 2 grandchildren, Brian Smith and Javier Alicea.

A message to those that are morning from Ralph:

Do not stand at my grave and weep,

I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow;

I am the diamond glints on the snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain;

I am the gentle autumn’s rain.

When you awaken in the morning’s hush,

I am the swift uplifting rush

Of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft star that shines at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry.

I am not there; I did not die.