Elmer Ronald Smith

Ronnie Smith, 79, of Greenville, South Carolina, passed away on September 15, 2026. He was born on October 9, 1946, to Eva S. Mathis and Robert L. Mathis.

A craftsman at heart, Ronnie built furniture with his own hands, shaping wood into pieces that will outlast us all — a fitting legacy for a man who was himself the center and strength of his family. He held everyone together, and everyone was better for it.

Ronnie found his greatest joy in the people he loved and the places they went together. He treasured trips to Pigeon Forge and Myrtle Beach, and above all, he cherished time spent surrounded by family. Wherever he was, home was wherever they gathered around him.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Rachel Smith; his daughter, Tracy Roddy (Robert Gay); his son, Terry Smith (Regina Smith); his grandchildren, Kristin Roddy, Kasey Roddy (Doug King), Ron Smith (Savannah Smith), April Mitchell (Bill Mitchell), Amber Millwood (Chris Millwood), Cody Gay; his great grandchildren, Ethan (Nicole), Elliott, Hayden, Matthew, Evalee, Serenity, Ronnie, Sterling, Ashton, Emileigh, Kinsleigh, Sutton, Jacinda, Ryker, Cain, Jensen, William, Adam, Kyla, and Hazel and 12 great great grandchildren. The family who loved him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eva S. Mathis and Robert L. Mathis; his brothers, Gifford Smith and Ray Smith; and his sister, Debbie Shields.

Ronnie leaves behind a family shaped by his steadiness, his warmth, and his love. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.