Ronald Joseph "Omar" Smith

Ronald Joseph "Omar" Smith Ronald Joseph "Omar" Smith, born Sept. 12, 1952, in Atlanta, left this world from his home in Richlands, Va. He was raised on Edgewater Drive by his "mom and dad", the late George and Lillian Smith Griffits. The biological son of the late Nancy Smith. He is survived by many lifelong friends, step-brothers, George and Joe Griffits and wives; several nephews and nieces. Also, by his stepson, Hagen Ratliff, wife and children. He collected and traded, was a fine photographer, cook, and was a brilliant craftsman of metals. Many area people are the fortunate owner of his workmanship in gold and fine stones. He could turn a handful of scrap into a priceless one-of-a-kind treasure. After suffering a massive heart attack two years ago, he has been unable to practice his trade, related to possible electrical interference from equipment affecting the computer which controlled his heart. A veteran of the Army, Johnson City Veterans Hospital provided medical care. Ron was an excellent fisherman and loved any body of water big enough for fish to swim. His green boat was a regular sight at Mountain Laurel Lake, his "church" where he said he felt closest to God. He enjoyed bluegrass music, fast cars and anything with wheels - roller skates, bicycles, his scooter, his '64 Lotus, which he had restored. His most recent creation was his "hippie van" on which he painted every brush stroke - each item tells a story. He was a unique man of his word, faithful to friends and neighbors and those whom he respected. He enjoyed the local library where he recently learned to use a computer. He was often very serious and at other times, funny. He worked hard, played hard and will be greatly missed by those who loved him. Ron had requested that his body be cremated. A memorial service will be held Thursday evening, Nov. 11, 2010, at 7 p.m. at Singleton Funeral Service at Cedar Bluff, Va. The family will receive friends after 6:30 p.m. Friends, who wish to speak, please plan to do so. A reception will follow at the home of Joe and Connie McFarlane in Cedar Bluff. Online condolences may be sent to the family by going to www.SingletonFuneralService.com Singleton Funeral Service is serving the Smith family.