Obituary for Russell L. "Reading Rocket" Smith
Russell L. Smith, "Reading Rocket", 86, formerly of Ontelaunee Twp., passed away on Monday, December 27, 2021 in Maidencreek Place. He was the husband of Shirley J. (Hilbert) Smith, who died September 23, 2020.
Born in Kempton, he was the son of the late Ralph C. Smith and Anna E. (Tyson) Schlear. Russell was a 1953 graduate of Ontelaunee High School. He worked for Butler Gas, Airco Gas and AmeriGas, until his retirement. Russ started his racing career in 1953. Driving the Blue and Yellow #11, he won 11 track championships, three of those being in 1966 at various tracks. He holds the record at Silver Spring Speedway for 9 feature wins in a row. Racing 16 races at Anthracite Speedway, Russ was in the winner's circle 8 times. At the Reading Fairgrounds, with 23 Flathead victories, Russ holds the record for having the most wins, 6 of those wins being in a row. In 1962, he won 11 features in 19 races. At Grandview Speedway, Russ can be found in the Walk of Fame, and at Big Diamond in the Hall of Fame. Russ was given the name "Reading Rocket" by Warren Ruffner, the announcer at the former Reading Fairgrounds Speedway.
Russ enjoyed hunting, fishing, clamming in Delaware, working in his garage, and going to racing reunions. He was a family man and a wonderful husband and father. Russ especially enjoyed watching his grand-puppies.
Russ is survived by one daughter: Kelly R. (Smith), wife of Bryan C. Jackson, Boyertown; and a son-in-law: Kevin Zimmermand and his wife Donna, Mohrsville. He was predeceased by a daughter: Carol A. (Smith) Zimmerman.
Services will be held on Monday at 11:00 am from Leibensperger Funeral Homes, Inc., 223 Peach Street, Leesport. Burial will follow in Bowers Cemetery. A viewing will be held in the funeral home Monday 10:00 to 11:00 am. Those attending are encouraged to wear their favorite racing apparel. Memorial contributions may be sent to Hillside SPCA, 51 SPCA Road, Pottsville, PA 17901. For online condolences, please visit, www.leibenspergerfuneralhomes.com.
Born in Kempton, he was the son of the late Ralph C. Smith and Anna E. (Tyson) Schlear. Russell was a 1953 graduate of Ontelaunee High School. He worked for Butler Gas, Airco Gas and AmeriGas, until his retirement. Russ started his racing career in 1953. Driving the Blue and Yellow #11, he won 11 track championships, three of those being in 1966 at various tracks. He holds the record at Silver Spring Speedway for 9 feature wins in a row. Racing 16 races at Anthracite Speedway, Russ was in the winner's circle 8 times. At the Reading Fairgrounds, with 23 Flathead victories, Russ holds the record for having the most wins, 6 of those wins being in a row. In 1962, he won 11 features in 19 races. At Grandview Speedway, Russ can be found in the Walk of Fame, and at Big Diamond in the Hall of Fame. Russ was given the name "Reading Rocket" by Warren Ruffner, the announcer at the former Reading Fairgrounds Speedway.
Russ enjoyed hunting, fishing, clamming in Delaware, working in his garage, and going to racing reunions. He was a family man and a wonderful husband and father. Russ especially enjoyed watching his grand-puppies.
Russ is survived by one daughter: Kelly R. (Smith), wife of Bryan C. Jackson, Boyertown; and a son-in-law: Kevin Zimmermand and his wife Donna, Mohrsville. He was predeceased by a daughter: Carol A. (Smith) Zimmerman.
Services will be held on Monday at 11:00 am from Leibensperger Funeral Homes, Inc., 223 Peach Street, Leesport. Burial will follow in Bowers Cemetery. A viewing will be held in the funeral home Monday 10:00 to 11:00 am. Those attending are encouraged to wear their favorite racing apparel. Memorial contributions may be sent to Hillside SPCA, 51 SPCA Road, Pottsville, PA 17901. For online condolences, please visit, www.leibenspergerfuneralhomes.com.