Mr. Ronald Smith

Ronald Ray Smith was born to the late Evelyn Ann Smith and the late J. W. Franklin in Waco, Texas on January 9, 1962. Ronald lived in Waco, Texas until his family moved to Houston, Texas at the age of 11. Ronald accepted Christ at an early age, as the family attended The Church of the Lord Jesus Christ. Ronald was educated through the Houston Independent School District (HISD) and graduated from Lamar High School in 1980. Soon after graduating High School, Ronald made the decision to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Navy.
Ronald joined the United States Navy on June 18, 1980 and began his career at the Recruit Training Command (RTC) in San Diego, California. Throughout his 20 years of Active Duty service, Ronald proudly served under the following commands; the USS Blandy (DD-943), USS Barnstable County (LST-1197), USS Emory S Land (AS-39), USS Gunston Hall (LSD-44) and Beachmasters Unit Two, all in Norfolk, VA. The USS Frank Cable (AS-40) in Charleston, SC. The Naval Reserve Center, Philadelphia, PA, and the Naval Reserve Professional Center in New Orleans, LA. Ronald’s Military Awards and Decorations include the Navy and Marine Corp Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal (w/Three Bronze Stars), Armed Services Medal (w/Two Bronze Stars), Navy Expeditionary Medal, Navy Defense Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Expert Rifle Medal, and the Expert Pistol Medal. Ronald was also recognized as an Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist. Ronald proudly retired from the United States Navy on June 30, 2000 at the rank of GM1 (SW), Gunner’s Mate First Class Petty Officer. Following his retirement from the United States Navy, Ronald returned to his hometown of Houston, Texas, where he joined and faithfully served his community as a Letter Carrier with the United States Postal Service for twelve years, retiring from the USPS in February 2012.
While serving at the Naval Reserve Professional Center in New Orleans, LA., Ronald met and would later marry his beautiful wife of sixteen years, Zina. Ronald is the father of one beautiful and dedicated daughter, Ronisha Smith, whom he passionately referred to as “Baby Girl”. Ronald was also blessed with two “bonus children”, Brittnee Jackson and Tyron Long. For the past two years, Ronald had the pleasure of being a proud grandfather to Harper (Brittnee’s daughter) who affectionately called him Papa two.

While serving in the U S Navy, Ronald traveled and lived in many areas throughout the United States; however, he remained “A Texan” regardless of where life took him. This love for Texas was evident by his unwavering passion for displaying his talents on the BBQ Grill while entertaining family and friends. His signature smoked baby back ribs were the highlight of all family gatherings. Ronald also loved rooting for all Texas sport franchises, but his favorite sports team was his beloved Dallas Cowboys. While engaging in conversation with Ronald, it wouldn’t take you long to know Ronald loved serving in the United States Navy, he loved preparing BBQ for family and friends, and he absolutely loved cheering for the Dallas Cowboys. Ronald and Zina worshiped together at Southwest Community Baptist Church (The Bridge), where they were faithful members of the Marriage Ministry. Ronald and Zina’s dedication to the Marriage Ministry was recognized by them being selected as Co-Directors of the Marriage Ministry in 2019.

Ronald was preceded in death by his parents Evelyn Ann Smith and W.D. Franklin. His grandparents Dixie Dan Smith, Sr. and Mollie Thompson Smith. His aunts Mary Ann Smith and Alberta Pimpton. His uncles Dixie Smith, Jr. and Harvey J. Smith.

Ronald is survived by his wife Zina Smith. His daughter Ronisha Smith. His “bonus children” Brittnee Jackson, Tyron Long and granddaughter Harper St. Cyr. His siblings Cathy Jones, Deborah Alexander (Timothy), Tammie Smith, Nelson Smith (Othelia), Cedric Smith, Jackline Parker (James), Lavern Johnson (Ike), Jolene Williams, Juanita Hayes (Patrick) and Betty Jo Scott (Calvin).Ronald is also survived by his mother-inlaw Evelyn Flora Johnson. Brothers-in-laws Marvin Johnson (Bridgette), Travis Johnson (Leatrice) and Austin Johnson, III, (Gisele). Sisters-in-laws Cheryl Johnson Ellison (Clarence) and Dixie Johnson
Ussin (Raymond). As well as a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.