Ronnie Smith

Fred Ronald Smith, known as Ronnie Smith, passed away on January 24, 2026 at the age of 79, surrounded in love by his family. Ronnie was born on May 20, 1946 in McComb, MS. Ronnie attended McComb High School and was in the high school band where he discovered his love of music. After graduation Ronnie attended Southwest Junior College and Delta State University earning a degree in music education. It was at Delta State that he met the love of his life, Carol Lunceford.

Ronnie and Carol were married in July of 1968 and moved to Corinth, MS on January of 1969 when Ronnie accepted a job with Corinth School District. Ronnie taught junior high band and high school chorus for eighteen-years and high school band for the next ten and a half years. He was a charter member of the Northeast MS Junior High Band Directors Association serving as president three times. He was also the president of the Northeast Band Directors Association twice. In 1990 he was awarded the George Henry Schultz Outstanding Band Director award.

Ronnie saw his profession as more than teaching music. His purpose was to help raise kids, shaping and molding them to reach their potential and become successful in life. He was a safe space for all kids and in many cases a father figure and friend. He taught kids to work hard, show respect, and take pride in all you do. No one understood that better than his children, Kim and Ryan.

In addition to teaching, Ronnie worked at McPeters Funeral Home, Shiloh Ridge Golf Course, and Coleman Funeral Home. He also looked forward to working as a marshall for hole #3 at the Fed Ex St. Jude Classic every year.

Ronnie was well known and active in the Corinth Community. He served on the Corinth Area Arts Council and the Corinth Symphony board. He also served as music director at First Baptist, Oakland, South Corinth, Tate, and East Corinth Baptist Churches.

Ronnie is survived by his wife of 57 years, Carol Smith; daughter, Kim Pratt (Michael) and son, Ryan SMith (Alyssa) of Corinth; grandchildren, Addie Paige Pratt, Brooks Michael Pratt, and Baylor Craig Pratt.

He is preceded in death by his parents Fred and Mildred Smith and his sister, Pat Creel.

Services to celebrate the life of Ronnie Smith will be held on Tuesday February 3, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church.

Visitation will be Monday evening from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and from 1:00 p.m. until service time Tuesday all at First Baptist.

Pallbearers are Ronnie Fowler, Ronnie Sleeper, David Shaw, Danny Bishop, Bill Roberts, Bob Montgomery, Carroll Morrow, and Charles Ellington.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital through stjude.org or the Corinth High School Band at Cadence Bank.

Online condolences can be left at www.MemorialCorinth.com for the Smith family.

Arrangements are under the care of Memorial Funeral Home.