Ryan Gregory Smith

Ryan Gregory Smith, 42, of Bradford, IL passed away on Friday, April 3, 2026 at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center.

Ryan was born on December 15, 1983, in Peoria, Illinois, the son of Greg and Nora (Horrie) Smith. He graduated from Bradford High School and went on to attend Illinois Community College, where he participated in theater.

Throughout his life, Ryan held a variety of jobs, most recently working at OSF in Peoria. He was a kind, caring, and charismatic person who never met a stranger and was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.

Ryan was an avid sports fan who enjoyed watching the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bulls, and he also cheered on the U of I. Above all, he cherished his two sons, Silas and Simon.

He is survived by his parents, Greg and Nora Smith; two sons, Silas and Simon Smith all of Bradford, IL; his sister Rachel Smith (Daniel Runyon) of Chicago, IL.

Ryan was preceded in death by his Maternal grandparents (Gene Horrie, Prax and Francis Foley) Paternal grandparents (Gen and Merlin Smith), Aunts Hazel, Lyn, and Patsy. Uncles Chris, John, Randy and Pat. Cousins Olivia and Kayce.

Ryan taught us all to put one foot in front of the other, get back up and believe in eternal hope. In loving memory of Ryan, we invite you to participate in a “Sock Drive.” These small comforts will be donated to those experiencing homelessness—a gesture of care that reflects the generous person Ryan was. In honor of Ryan’s memory, his family kindly invites you to bring a donation of socks to his visitation to benefit those in need—“Ryan would get a kick out of it.”

Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until the time of the Funeral Mass at 12:00 pm on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Bradford, IL with Father John Thieryoung officiating. Burial will immediately follow at St. John’s Cemetery in Bradford.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Silas and Simon Educational Fund or Sophia’s Kitchen in Peoria, IL.