Ronald Carey Smith

Ronald Carey Smith, age 85, of Douglasville, Georgia passed away Friday, November 17, 2023. He was born April 13, 1938 in Columbus, Georgia. A devoted husband and loving father, Ronnie loved spending time with his family, his grandchildren and his friends. He married Karen Kiker Smith on June 28, 1986, and had celebrated their 37th wedding anniversary. In their younger years, they would celebrate their anniversary by going to Helen, Georgia and tubing/rafting down the Chattahoochee River. Ronnie was an active member of Central Baptist Church where he attended Charlie Holloway Sunday school class for years. A Veteran, he proudly served his country in the Marine Corps and was in recon. Ronnie was a member of the American Legion Number 145. He retired from the railroad after a career spanning 43 years, beginning with Central of Georgia, and including Seaboard Railway and CSX. He volunteered with the Bill Arp fire rescue as a fireman in the 1970s. In his younger years, Ronnie loved gardening. He loved watching the Falcons every Sunday he could. He was loved by all who knew him and will be dearly missed.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Carlton and Louise (Pilcher) Smith; and stepson, Kirk Kiker Whitaker.

Those left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 37 years, Karen (Kiker) Smith; children, Kellye Smith Parks (Albert) of Raeford, NC, Tracy Smith Sorensen of Leland, NC, Jeff Smith (Melissa) of Fredericksburg, VA, Stuart Smith (Giovani) of Chicago, IL, and Jay Smith Musgrave of Fayetteville, GA; stepchildren, Greg Whitaker (Vicki) of Winston, GA and Dana L. Whitaker of Villa Rica, GA; brother, Judge Arthur L. Smith lll (Sue) of Columbus, GA; sister, Linda Smith Reynolds of Columbus, GA; grandchildren, Sarah Sorensen Mobley (Caleb), Sydney Smith, Andrew Sorensen, Garrett Parks (Kellie), Hannah Sorensen Salefsky (Larry), Shaye Smith, Katie Sorensen, Kasey Parks, Megan Whitaker Potter (James), Hannah Whitaker, Alexandria Renton and Cameron Renton; great-grandchildren, Shaw Mobley, and Jackson Parks; nieces and nephews; Emily (Joseph) Brannan, Ellen Smith, Jodi Reynolds Deane (Tenney), Steve Reynolds (Gina), and Marti Reynolds Dodds (Brad); as well as numerous other extended family members.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday, November 25, 2023 from 2:00 until 3:00 PM. A memorial service will follow at 3:00 PM in the Rosehaven Chapel with Pastor Charles Gibbs officiating.

For those unable to attend the service in person, you may view the Livestream from the online obituary page at www.whitleygarner.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in memory of Ronald C. Smith to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org

Thoughts and condolences to the family may be shared online at www.whitleygarner.com.

Whitley-Garner at Rosehaven Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the services of Ronald Smith.