Ronald Gerald Smith, 71, of Walnut Ridge, passed away Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Lawrence Hall Nursing Center in Walnut Ridge.
He was born July 13, 1953, to Rev. Bob Smith and Ruth Binkley Smith. He was a 1972 Walnut Ridge High School graduate. He was a smart man who could fix anything. He was employed as a maintenance engineer by Skil/Bosch; Police Officer for the Black Rock and Arkansas State University Police Departments; and later founded his own HVAC company, Moonlite Air.
He enjoyed stock car racing and could often be found at Charlie Cook’s, Floyd’s Body Shop, or Rocky Sheets’ garage. He loved cups of coffee and spent many hours visiting others in the local coffee shops. He spent years coaching softball teams at Stewart Park, and his funny cheers are still remembered by grown women today. He was a generous man who would help anyone and served the Walnut Ridge City Council for twelve years. He was a member of Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church.
Survivors include his daughter, Stephanie Nichols (Matt) of Walnut Ridge; his son, Jason Smith (David) of Jonesboro; a grandson, Taylor Nichols of Walnut Ridge; his mother, Ruth Holsapple (John) Walnut Ridge; sister, Robin Saito (Dr. Kim) of Jonesboro; former wife of 34 years and mother of his children, Joyce Smith of Walnut Ridge; and many other relatives and friends.
He is preceded by his father, Bro. Bob Smith; a brother, Roger Smith; and a nephew, Roger Smith Jr.
Funeral service will be Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 11 A.M. in the Bryan Chapel with Bro. Rick Mayland. Pallbearers are Matt Nichols, Taylor Nichols, David McElyea, John Holsapple, Clayton Brown, and Michael Brown. Interment will follow in the Lawrence Memorial Park.
Visitation will be from 10 A.M. till 11 A.M. Wednesday.