JOSEPH RONALD SMITH

Joseph Ronald Smith of Bluefield, Virginia went into the arms of Jesus on Sunday, November 3, 2024. Born on October 29, 1940 in Gratton, Virginia to Eva and Ira Smith, Ronnie grew up in Bluefield, Virginia and graduated from Graham High School in 1958. After graduation he joined the US Navy where he was left with many stories to tell his grandchildren. In 1964 he married the love of his life, Norma Asbury. The two of them went on to have children and then grandchildren who were the greatest joys of his life. He graduated from Bluefield State University and was employed with Pittston Coal Company and Pyott Boone Electronics. Ron was also a life long member of Graham Presbyterian Church. He was a devout man who loved God, family and country. His famous one-liners, sense of humor, kindness and handsome sense of style will be missed by the many people and animals he loved and gave the honor of a nickname. He will forever be the world's greatest PapPap.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 60 years, Norma of Bluefield VA, daughter Rhonda Smith Cregger and son-in-law Kenny of Wytheville, VA, son Gordon Smith and daughter- in-law, Serena, of Peachtree City GA, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Tony and Gail Asbury of Cedar Bluff, Va, his sister, Norma Smith Ellison of Bluefield, VA.

Grandchildren Eva Kendele Cregger, Charleston, SC, Hunter Cregger, Charleston,  SC, Jett Cregger, Charlotte,  NC and Mckenzie Smith, Peachtree City, GA. He leaves many nieces and nephews he adored.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Tazewell County Animal Shelter where he found his best friend, Rhett.

Pallbearers will be Kenneth Cregger, Jett Cregger, Matthew Asbury, Brandon McKinney, Bobby Behan, Bruce Turner and Anthony Ramella.

Visitation will be held at Truth, Christian Church of God, formerly Graham Presbyterian, on Wednesday, November 6 from 5-7 pm.

Funeral services will be at the church on Thursday, November 7, at 1:00 pm with Reverend Bill Lively and Reverend Gary Lyons officiating. Burial will follow at Grandview Memory Gardens with Mercer County Honor Guard conducting Military Last Rites.