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Ronnie Smith Obituary

Coach Ronnie Howard Smith

Nashville, TN

Age 70, August 1, 2017. Preceded in death by his parents, Junior and Susie Smith (Columbia, PA). Survived by his devoted and faithful wife of 46 years, Caura B. Smith; brother, Eugene (Jeanette) Smith, Marietta, PA; nephews, Tyrome (Cassandra) Smith, Baltimore, MD, Byron (Kelly) Smith, Anderson, SC; grandnephews, Jeremiah and Joshua Smith, Baltimore, MD. Public viewing 1-6pm Wednesday, Smith Funeral Directors, Inc. 706 Monroe St. Funeral Services will be held at the Mount Zion Baptist Church, 7594 Old Hickory Blvd., Whites Creek, TN. Viewing 10-11am. Services starting at 11, with Bishop Joseph Warren Walker III, Officiating. Interment, Greenwood North Cemetery, 1248 Dickerson Pike, Goodlettsville, TN. SMITH FUNERAL DIRECTORS, (615) 726-1476.

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Published by Tennessean on Aug. 9, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
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Annmignon Terranova

June 24, 2020

Ronnie Smith was my favorite teacher period. I was a depressed high school student in his science class at Hillsboro High. He was inspiring. I absolutely loved his class. He gave me hope for a future. I am sorry he is gone. I still think about him.

Mike Aston

August 20, 2017

I never got to be a close personal friend of Ron's but I had the greatest respect for him when we were in high school. I was 4 years older than Ron and was good friends with his older brother, Gene Smith. We went all through high school together. Ron was a remarkable individual. If he ever got mad, I never saw it, nor did I ever hear him speak badly of anybody, and in one's high school years, that in itself is an amazing accomplishment. When a close friend called me and told me of Ron's passing, it brought tears to my eyes, such was the respect that I had for him. All I can say is that if I could ever be seen in the eyes of others as Ron was in mine, my life would be complete and I would stand ready to meet my Savior. My heartfelt sympathies go out to his family. May they be comforted in knowing that although the experience of separation from him in this mortal existence is seemingly unbearable, they can be assured of one unimaginable reunion when they finally leave this life because this man will be there smiling as always and ready to welcome them with open arms.

August 16, 2017

So sorry for your loss,

August 15, 2017

SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS TAKE COMFORT IN READING HOSEA 13:14

August 14, 2017

So sorry for your loss, you have my deepest sympathy.

Shetieka Darvin

August 11, 2017

Thank you for being there when I needed a DAD the most. You helped shape me into the woman that I am. Thanks for the encouragement, the talks, the laughs, the lectures, and everything that you and Mrs. Smith done for me and my family. You changed my life when I walked in the doors of McGavock in 1993. Rest in Heaven. I will be forever grateful and I will always love you. Fly High "Dad" Forever Coach Ronnie Smith

Eddie Porter

August 11, 2017

Mr Smith changed the landscape of Nashville public schools, Prior to his arrival at Hillsboro High School in 1978; the school had always had just one cheerleader of color. Many things about Hillsboro and our community were restrictive based on color. Our Freshman year, the 1st where 9th graders went to the actual high school; that changed with the Class of 82. As our Faculty advisor, he directed our class into a new era. His tenure at Hillsboro didn't last long because "To much was happening" ; but it was to late, change had come and was here to stay. Me, my classmates, Hillsboro, Greenhills residents and Nashville was forever changed. Thank you Mr Smith

Gretchen Brown

August 10, 2017

Mr. Smith was my favorite teacher (McMurray Jr. High) he even taught both my boys at McGavock High. I am so sorry for your loss.

August 10, 2017

Best track athlete Pennsylvania has ever seen. Can still you gliding over the hurdles. Never forget Ronnie Smith. Columbia, Pa. Mark Graham

Tara Boyd & Family

August 10, 2017

My Prayers are with the Smith Family.
Mr. Smith was my Junior High & High School Teacher and was my favorite of all teachers! He called his students by their Last Name and correct us on the spot if ur doing wrong or spoke in proper English. We need more teachers like him and sure will be missed. Sleep In Peace Mr. Smith❤❤❤❤

Debbie McCallin

August 10, 2017

Ron was and great true friend when I attended CHS before my family moved to Hempfield. He "saved" me in biology class from having to dissect a frog. For that I am and will always be forever grateful! R.I.P my old friend.

Debbie Fritz McCallin

Jean Phiel

August 10, 2017

Ronnie was a gentleman in the classroom and on the athletic field. He was a great friend. He will be missed.

Wayne Hershey

August 10, 2017

R.I.P. Ron. You are an important part of Columbia, PA sports history. Condolences to your Family

Leland Geer

August 10, 2017

May the peace of God be with you all during this time and forever...

c/o 97, McGavock High School

Ronald and Sherri Manlove

August 10, 2017

Caura, our prayers are with you and your family. May the peace of God be with you all.

August 9, 2017

Caura,
We moved from Nashville over 30 years ago but we remember Ronnie's kind spirit as we often fellowshipped together with the Rawls and Martins. We were saddened to hear of Ronnie's going home to be with the Lord. You will meet him someday around God's throne where there will be no death, sadness or tears. May God Comfort you and your family.
Charles and Jarethea Powell

Melissa Taylor McGuire

August 9, 2017

May God keep you in peace in this timing. I am so sorry for your loss. He was a good teacher and man.

Constance Caldwell

August 9, 2017

Please accept my condolences in your loss of Ronnie. God bless the family.

Brian Kennedy

August 9, 2017

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family rest in peace my brother Mr. Smith you will be missed as a great coach great father figure great teacher

August 9, 2017

My thoughts and prayers are with you in the loss of your love one. From Aunt Chris, Harrisburg, PA.

Sharonda Hawkins

August 9, 2017

Mr. Smith will truly be missed. He was more than a teacher, he was a positive influence. Great listener to those who needed someone, and a outstanding man. Even if you weren't scheduled to be in his class, he would open his door to you just so you wouldn't be in the halls getting into trouble. He taught more than science, he taught humility. Coach Smith...You will truly be missed, but you will NEVER be forgotten. Prayers to his family and close friends.
McGavock High Class of 1996

Fred and Bernice Howard

August 9, 2017

Condolences from Fred and Bernice Howard and family in Columbia Pa. Ronnie was positive influence on all he met. RIP The Howards

August 9, 2017

Condolences from the Howard family in Columbia Pa. Fred and Bernice Howard and family. Ronnie was a big positive influence on all that new him

Trae Howse

August 9, 2017

Mr. Smith was the one of the few teachers at McGavock I could go to when I needed to talk and he always encouraged me to keep going. This man loved to teach, loved his students and we loved him back. Praying for his wife and his entire family, that they may stay strong in the Lord and know that he is in a better place. Mr. Smith will be missed by all. Trae Howse C/O 94

Rochaundra MARTIN

August 9, 2017

Sleep in peace Coach Smith. You will be missed. You were one of a few teachers that had a positive impact on the kids at Mcgavock. Praying for your family.Rochaundra Martin C/O 98

Amy Woosley

August 9, 2017

How many lives has this remarkable man touched? I first met him at McGavock High School. He was a remarkable track coach and teacher. He was firm but fair. I met him again later in life after he suffered a stroke. He still had that amazing smile. He still remembered me from school. He told those around us that he always had to tell me to get to class. True enough since I hung out near his class. I worked with Ronnie on a newsletter for a group he was in. I cannot tell you how many days we did more laughing than working. He was always upbeat. Ronnie will always hold a special place in my heart. Prayers for Caura and his family. Thank you for sharing him with all of us.

Nikkia Warren-Fletcher

August 9, 2017

My thoughts and prayers are with the Smith family during this time. Coach Smith made a great impact on the lives of students at McGavock he was one of the best! God has gained another angel

Sally Koehler draper

August 8, 2017

So sorry to hear of ronnie passing but know that he suffers no longer. My sympathy to his wife and family and friends. I have many good memories as ron was a friend and classmate of CHS class of 1966.

Barbara Sumpman-Young

August 8, 2017

Being a classmate of Ronnie Smith, Columbia High School, Columbia, PA, class 1966, Ronnie excelled in Track and Basketball. He has held many records in the State of PA. I remember him as witty, always smiling and a friend to everyone in our class. I know he must have been a excellent teacher, father, husband and a friend to all. I was saddened of his passing, prayers to all of his family, students and friends.

DeJuan Conley

August 7, 2017

Coach smith you always gv words of encouragement whether coaching or paasing me in the hall. Even as a grown up when I saw you while I was working with bis. Walker at Mt. Zion you gv words of encouragement. Heaven gained a freat man and track coach. You were one of the great black male role models for many of us black males at McGavock. You went the eztea mile for many of us, and I'm one who definitively appreciated that. I remember coming to mcG as a 100m 200m runner and you encouraged me that I could be a champion 400m runner. In the area of academics i was taking 2 English classes and got disciuraged, you stopped me on my way to Yates honors Eng and told me to stay encouraged and i could do it. Thanks Coach Smith and RIP. No more sufferung or sickness but healing and happiness in the arms of God.

Tammy McKee

August 4, 2017

Words cannot express the sadness I am feeling. Mr. Smith was such a great teacher. He taught us that we should never let anyone stand in the way of our dreams. To fight for what we believed in. Never settle on being second best. He had complete faith in so many of us, that we didn't even know it ourselves. He pushed me to pass my finals, and believed in me when I didn't believe I could do it. He will be greatly missed. Prayers to his wife, family and friends. RIP Mr. Smith! You were greatly loved!

Jessie Hewitt

August 3, 2017

Let Not Your Hearts Be Trouble .You Believe in God believe also in me. My Father's house has many rooms;If that were not so,would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you.John14:1-3. To the family you have my deepest sympathy.

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