Ronald Stanley "Ronnie" Smith

Ronald Stanley "Ronnie" Smith, 76, of Gainesville, Georgia stepped into Eternity on January 11, 2026. He was born to Henry Smith, Jr. and Betty Sue Canup Smith on November 1, 1949. He attended East Hall High School and was a graduate of Georgia Southern University.

Ron held various positions in his working life that showed off his entrepreneurial spirit. From HVAC to putting a computer together that started as a million pieces, to auto restoration and sales, to insurance and real estate—Ron wore many hats and knew so much about different subjects. He was also a musician and played bass guitar in bands and in church for many years. He loved to learn and travel and dream, traits he passed on to his girls. He loved his family with a quiet fierceness but often had a sense of humor that made everyone laugh. His advice was legendary:

“Don’t worry about it, in 100 years you’ll never know the difference.”

“Just stack it up in the corner, and one day you’ll have a pile.”

Or “Pass me the Tina Turner”—and if your friends came over and they knew that meant the remote control, they were considered family.

The most important relationship of his life was with his Lord Jesus Christ. As he used his talents and dreams for the Lord, he found a passion for telling others about the love of Christ when he went on his first mission trip to Moldova. That started a ministry that spanned decades of taking care of those in need abroad with Cornerstone International Ministries and at Joe’s Place serving the less fortunate at home. He loved to teach what he learned in church by teaching Sunday School and prophecy classes. He also loved to see the Lord working in the day to day, always claiming “it’s rigged” with his dear friend John when they spoke of how God orchestrates everything for good, even when we miss the mark. He poured into his family and pointed them to Christ, always demonstrating how to share what he had with those who needed it.

He is survived by the love of his life of 54 years Gaye Pless Smith of Gainesville, GA, his daughters Jennifer Cagle (Scott) and Kirklyn Wilson (Rod) both of Lula GA, his most precious grandson Jaxon Hank Wilson of Lula GA, his brother Mike Smith of Helen, GA, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Henry Smith, Jr. and Betty Sue Canup Smith of Clermont, GA.

Please join us in celebrating a life well lived on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 3pm at Memorial Park Riverside Chapel. The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 pm prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cornerstone International Ministries, PO Box 205, Clermont, GA 30527

Memorial Park Riverside Chapel, 989 Riverside Drive, Gainesville, GA 30501. 770-297-6200. For online condolences www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com  

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