Ross Smith studied at the Teachers' College, Brisbane in 1945 and then graduated with a BA Hons from the University of Queensland in 1950. He then taught in Townsville and, from 1955-1960, returned to the Teachers' College as a lecturer. In 1961 Smith took up a position at the then University College Townsville (latterly James Cook University), becoming a senior lecturer in 1968.
Smith's particular scholarly interests were the works of Shakespeare, Jane Austen and the Romantic poets. He also prepared, with Dr Cheryl Taylor, an extensive (but largely unpublished) bibliography of North Queensland writers. Among his colleagues and students at James Cook University he was highly regarded for his good humour, courtesy, support and meticulously prepared lectures.
In the latter years of his life, Smith suffered from Parkinson's disease.
