Ronald Smith

Ronald (Ron) Hoke Smith (80) of Hueytown, Alabama entered the presence of Christ on May 22, 2024. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Rosemary (Neuenschwander) Smith, children Rhonda Smith (Bill Loughmiller), Rebekah Smith (Kevin) Potts, Ronald Wayne (Lydia) Smith, Robert (Sarah) Smith, Ruth Anne Smith (Jason) Addington, 19 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Hoke and Sara Smith, his infant daughter, Rachel Dianne, brother, Wayne Smith, stepmother, Mary Smith, and son-in-law, Bill Loughmiller.

Ron was born in Macon, Georgia on February 23, 1944, to Hoke and Sara Smith. He grew up in Prattville, Alabama where he graduated from Autauga County High School in 1962. He loved baseball and fishing and hunting squirrels and rabbits on his way home from school. A good student who was gifted at math, Ron attended Auburn University where he graduated with a BS in Mechanical Engineering in 1967. He would often study outside the stadium on Saturdays, listening to the radio call as his beloved Tigers played inside and Tucker Fredrickson ran wild. He remained a huge fan and many a Saturday silence was pierced by him screaming WAAAAAAAAR EEEEEEEEEAGLE!!! while listening to Jim Fyffe on the radio. This was by far his favorite way to enjoy a game.

A very glorious thing also took place at Auburn: On November 11, 1967, Ron heard the Gospel and he believed in the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. He began to read his Bible and study consistently and developed a hunger and thirst for theology that lasted his whole life. He faithfully attended church the rest of his life until his health prevented it. Brooklane Baptist was not the only church he attended, but it was home. Trinity Baptist, Midfield Bible, Oakland Baptist, and Vineland Park also brought many lifelong friends. Ron loved the Lord and he loved His Church.

Ron moved to Birmingham to begin a career at US Steel. One day, on a lunch break, he met a young lady working at the lunch counter who would soon after become his wife. Ron and Rosemary were married on Valentine's Day, 1969. The marriage was blessed early and often as Ron and Rosemary welcomed 6 children into the world. They raised Rhonda, Rebekah, Ronald, Robert, and Ruth Anne into adulthood and have seen them grow into the men and women they are today.

Ron loved Rosemary with all his heart and she loved him. She was his steady anchor through all the trials of life. After he was laid off at US Steel, Ron decided to purchase a restaurant. On April 1, 1986, they opened what would become known as Ron's Hot Dogs. They would remain co-laborers in the "Empire" for 23 years. They served hot dogs, Ron's famous chili, and Rosemary's homemade fudge to the people of Hueytown and Pleasant Grove. It was difficult work, but they persevered together with their children at their side. They retired in 2008.

Ron loved being a father and later, a grandfather and great-grandfather. He was proud of his children and pointed them to their Heavenly Father. He loved to kid and tell jokes and didn't mind being the butt of the joke either. His family was his greatest accomplishment and his greatest joy. He gave all the credit to God and to Rosemary.

He became a very thankful person. He appreciated all his doctors, nurses, techs, therapists, and aides as he suffered health crisis after health crisis. He especially appreciated Mary Jones, who was his home caregiver for the last two years. Her patience, encouragement, and diligence allowed him to have a better quality of life as his health declined. She became a part of the family. He was so thankful to his children, especially Ruth Anne and her husband, Jason, as they welcomed him and

Rosemary into their home these last two and a half years. He was thankful for the steadfast support of his pastor, Bro. Fritz Harter, and Mrs. Joyce Harter. Most of all, he was thankful to Jesus, who guided him through life. He was filled with wonder and gratitude for the many manifestations of God's grace and goodness in his life. On May 22, 2024, God welcomed him home.

Services will be at Brooklane Baptist Church, 160 Brooklane Drive in Hueytown, AL, with visitation from 10-11 and funeral at 11 am. The graveside service will be held at Currie-Jefferson Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens on HWY 150 in Hoover, AL.

In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation in Ron's memory to Brooklane Baptist Church or Brooklane Baptist Academy.