Columbia Record, February 24, 1944. Ohio Man Dies From Fall Off Hospital Here. Ralph E. Smith, vice president and general sales manager of the Webster Rubber Company of near Cleveland, Ohio, died here yesterday afternoon as result of a fall from the third floor of the Columbia Hospital, Coroner W.A. (Bill) Plott said today. Mr. Smith had entered the hospital late Sunday after sustaining an injury to his foot in a downtown hotel. Plott said he would not conduct an inquest into the death. Smith, who came here once or twice a year on business, was a friend of Lester and John Miller, of the Miller Tire Service, and usually spent of his time with them. John Miller said today that he was at a loss to understand the mishap at the hospital, and added that only a day or two ago, Mr. Smith appeared in excellent spirits and was hoping to be out of the hospital at an early date. Mr. Miller expressed the view that Smith may have become depressed over his accident and over confinement so far away from home, and that he may have fallen from the window in his hospital room at a moment when he wasn't quite aware of what he was doing. "So far as I know, Ralph had no other acquaintances in the Columbia area," Miller said. "He has been coming here for many years, and we were very fond of him. He usually spent all his spare time with us." Miller said Mr. Smith traveled throughout the United States for his company. He had been here about two days when he broke a bone in his ankle, said to have been in the bathtub. The body was at McCormick's mortuary today awaiting instructions from the family.

Smith, Ralph E., beloved husband of Inez, father of Peggie, son of George W., brother of Lillie Clemens, Cora Langley, Jessie Gardner, Elsie Gosson, Marie Santa Cruz, Gertrude Volke, William R. and grandfather of Gerry at Columbia, S. C., Wednesday, Feb. 23, 1944. Friends may call at McGorray Bros', Lakewood Home 14133 Detroit Avenue where services will be held, Monday, Feb. 28th at 2 p.m.