Ralph Welby Smith

Ralph "Slammer" Smith, age 82, passed away on June 28, 2025 in State College, PA with his loving family by his side. He left this world as he lived it, with a quiet strength, gratefulness, and a deep love for his family and friends.

Ralph was born on October 1, 1942, in Washington, DC, to his parents, Adelaide and Stephen Smith, and was a younger brother to his sister, Patti. He spent the first half of his life in the Baltimore-Washington area serving people with disabilities in the community before beginning a new chapter in State College, Pennsylvania, where he transitioned into an academic career where he taught, researched, and continued providing services to people with disabilities. 

Ralph graduated from Severna Park High School, received his B.S. in Physical Education at Western Maryland College (now McDaniels College), his M.S. in Physical Education/Adaptive Sports from the University of Illinois, and Ph.D. in Therapeutic Recreation from The Pennsylvania State University. Ralph spent 60+ years of his life dedicated to serving children and adults with disabilities to create a more barrier-free and inclusive world. His work with the League for People with Disabilities in Baltimore, his pioneering role in wheelchair basketball, his founding of the original Baltimore Ravens team, and his leadership at Camp Greentop at Catoctin Mountain reflect a lifelong commitment to inclusion. These experiences profoundly shaped his research, teaching, and service.

At Penn State, Ralph won two University-wide teaching awards, mentored countless students, and was deeply loved by his students and colleagues alike. He co-authored two books on disability and inclusion and wrote numerous publications on creating more accessible and inclusive recreation opportunities for people with disabilities. He also served for over 30 years as the Vice President and Chairperson of the Rules Committee for the National Wheelchair Basketball Association, contributing to the growth and standardization of the sport, and was later honored by an induction into the National Wheelchair Basketball Association's Hall of Fame.

Before his meaningful career, Ralph served in the Army's 82nd and 101st Airborne, was a 2nd Lieutenant in Vietnam, and was discharged with a Purple Heart for injuries he sustained while on tour. Together with his wife Tammy, he co-developed a professional training program for the Department of Defense to address some of the post-war effects of the Iraq/Afghanistan wars. Over 11+ years, their week-long, multi-iteration program trained Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) personnel across all military branches on how to better reintegrate active-duty service members with post-war injuries and illnesses back into the military's recreation programs and services. This work led to significant improvements in the military's facilities and systems to better support accessibility and program delivery and was an incredibly rewarding experience for Ralph.

Outside of work, Ralph was a sweet and caring soul, incredible storyteller, voracious reader, and an unwavering Washington Redskins (now Commanders), Maryland Basketball, and Baltimore Orioles fan. He had a witty and insatiable sense of humor and was a notorious chocolate chip cookie and ice cream lover. He loved exploring the outdoors—whether it was traveling, camping with family and friends, golfing, or simply enjoying nature.

He was first married to Kay, with whom he shared the joy of raising two wonderful daughters. Later, he married Tammy, and together they welcomed one incredible daughter and two fabulous sons. He was also deeply blessed with seven grandchildren who lovingly called him Pop and adored him beyond measure. He devoted himself to raising his children with love and gratitude, teaching them to be kind and respectful to all people, and instilling in them the value of service.

Ralph is held in the hearts of his loving wife of 35 years, Tammy Smith; his children Kristen Stephen (Mark), Mindy Gruver (Mike), Kevin Smith, Bryan Smith, and Rayne Smith; his grandchildren Elly, Delaney, Milena, Adam, Owen, Emerson, and RJ. He was preceded in death by his parents, Stephen and Adelaide Smith, and his sister, Patti Oberer. He was so very proud of his family and will be missed more than words can say.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, July 9th at 2:00 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship located at the Owen Brown Interfaith Center at 7246 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, MD (wheelchair accessible). The family warmly invites all who wish to share a few words to do so and to join them for a reception following the service.

In honor of Ralph's life and passion for serving people with disabilities, memorial contributions can be made to The League for People with Disabilities, 1111 E Cold Spring Lane, Baltimore, MD 21239. Live stream of the service will be available. Please check back here for details in a few days.