Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Rev. Ronald Cornelious Smith of Beckley, WV passed away peacefully on December 1, 2022.

He was born in Glen White, WV to the late Andrew and Agnes (Lenoir) Smith. The family later relocated to Indianapolis, IN. Finding that city life was not for him, he returned to his roots in Beckley, WV, nurtured by his grandmother, Lottie Lenoir. He matriculated from Stratton High School where he met and soon married his high school sweetheart, Dianne Haynes. The couple briefly lived in Washington, D.C. and started their family before returning to Beckley, WV where he remained.

Stuff, as he was affectionately called, had an affinity for quartet music and lent that beautiful bass line to the Soul Lifters and the Corner Boys. His friends often teased him that had he not run off and started a family, they would have become famous.

Ronnie was baptized at Welcome Baptist Church at age 11 by Rev. Archie Johnson and remained a member there until he and his family joined Mt Zion Baptist Church. Under the leadership of the late Rev. Nelson B. Staples, Jr, he was ordained a deacon in 1970. He answered God’s call to preach and was ordained by Rev. Staples as a minister on June 25, 1972.

He became the pastor of Magnolia Baptist Church in Helen, WV from February 18, 1973 until 1993. He also pastored the First Baptist Church in Mabscott, WV from January 4, 1974 until his retirement in April of 2014. Ronnie then returned to his home church of Mt. Zion where he served until his health failed.

An avid car aficionado, Ronnie would often be found washing and waxing his vehicles on Saturday. He took pride in having a sparkling vehicle and taught all of his children to keep theirs clean as well.

He will be fondly remembered for his collection of model cars, train set, and the red tractor trailer model truck that he wouldn’t allow any of the kids to touch. Also, his ability to make anything a song, particularly his wake-up song that he sang every Sunday to his kids and carried the tradition on with the grandkids. People who have known him awhile will certainly remember the perfect afro with the side part and widow’s peak that you dare not touch, unless you wanted to draw back a nub. That’s the Ronnie we all knew.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his children, Ron (Tammy) Kidd of Beckley, WV, Yvonne (Bill) Felder of Bowie, MD, Rhonda Henderson of Crystal City, VA, Teresa Smith of Upper Marlboro, MD, Ronald (Yanira) Smith of Marina del Rey, CA, and Jonathan of Huntsville, AL; brother, Larry Carter of Indianapolis, IN and sisters, Katrina (Charles) Warren and Laurita Smith, both of Indianapolis, IN; and devoted companion, Vanessa Woodson of Beckley, WV; 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral service will be 3:00PM Sunday, December 11, 2022 at Mt Zion Baptist Church 142 Mool Ave Beckley with Rev. Dr. Welton Fields officiating.

Private burial will be Monday, December 12, 2022 in Greenwood Memorial Park, Beckley.

Friends, while wearing masks and observing social distancing, may view and visit with the family one hour prior.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.