Dale Ralph Smith, age 81, of Troy, OH passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at Ohio's Hospice of Miami County, Troy, OH.  He was born August 9, 1942, in Pittsburgh, PA, to the late Ralph Chester and Dorothy Irene (Ross) Smith.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years: Mary Alice (Showalter) Smith; his cherished children: Gregory Dale Smith of Vandalia and Alicia L. (Matthew) Barnishin of Troy; three cherished grandchildren: Mya Grace Barnishin (Joe) Green, Aidan David Barnishin and Max Thane Barnishin; two brothers: Richard "Dick" G. (Suzi) Smith of Grafton, OH, and Wayne (Debby) Smith of New Palestine, IN; sister-in-law: Marcia (Tom) Stiens of Richmond, IN; brothers-in-law: Lloyd (Debbie) Showalter of Fishers, IN and Bob Showalter of Indianapolis, IN; beloved aunt: Evelyn (Bill) Bailey of Jonesboro, IL and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother-in-law and sister-in-law: Fred and Judy Showalter.

Dale was a graduate of Otterbein University in Westerville, OH, and earned his Master of Divinity degree at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, OH.  He was a pastor at many churches over the years, including Riverside United Church of Christ in Dayton, OH, Calvary EUB in Lemoyne, PA, Garden City United Methodist Church (UMC), Monroeville, PA, Center Avenue UMC, Pitcairn, PA, Baden UMC, Baden, PA and Community UMC in Harrison City, PA. During his ministry in Monroeville and Pitcairn, he was one of the original designers of the ecumenical Monroeville Mall Ministry, a listening, informational and referral ministry. He also served as the District Superintendent of the Western Pennsylvania Conference.  During this tenure he was always focused on being a pastor to pastors and their families.

Dale served on several boards and committees during his years of ministry.  He also served on the Church Conference Commission on Status and Role of Women and chaired the Conference Task Group on establishing the first conference policy on Sexual Harassment and Abuse.  Through the years, Dale has been actively involved in Cub and Boy Scouting, Volunteer fire fighter, the Salvation Army, and as a Grand Lodge Chaplain.

Prior to moving to this area, Dale served as Pastoral Coordinator with Hospice.   Since retiring in 2005 and moving to Troy, OH, he enjoyed being near family, traveling and singing with the Miami-Shelby County Melody Men barbershop group.  He also enjoyed serving as a marital and budget coach with Ginghamsburg Church.

Celebration of Dale's life will be held at 3:00 PM on March 24, 2024 at Baird Funeral Home, Troy with Pastor Kitty Kincaid officiating.  The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:00PM – 3:00PM.  Private interment will take place in Riverside Cemetery, Troy.

The family would like to express special appreciation to ClareBridge and Ohio's Hospice for their care and kindness.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ohio's Hospice of Miami County, ClareBridge at Brookdale Troy, Alzheimer's Association or Troy Christian Schools.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.bairdfuneralhome.com.

Ohio's Hospice of Miami County
3230 N. County Road 25A, Troy OH 45373
Web: https://hospiceofmiamicounty.org

ClareBridge at Brookdale
81 S. Stanfield Rd., Troy OH 45373

Alzheimer's Association Miami Valley Chapter
6077 Far Hills Ave. #117, Dayton OH 45459
Web: http://www.alz.org

Troy Christian Schools
700 South Dorset, Troy OH 45373