Ronald "Keith" Smith

Ronald Keith Smith, 59, was called home to heaven on October 15, 2023.

Keith was born in Mount Airy, North Carolina, on June 13, 1964, to Ronda Lee and Ruby Francis Smith.

He met the love of his life, Lori, at church, when he was 17 and she was 15. They married in 1986. He called Lori his princess and treated her like one.

Keith knew about God’s love for him from a young age. When he was in his thirties, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Keith was a good and faithful servant (Matt. 25:23) and lived a manner of life worthy of the Gospel (Phil. 1:27).

He was generous with his time, talent and treasure. He was even generous in his death as an organ donor.

Everyone who met Keith saw Christ’s unconditional love on display. He was a Godly husband, father, papa, brother, friend and someone who is worthy to model your life after. He touched countless lives, especially through the Single Adult ministry at their church and their involvement in multiple Youth Ministries. He had a gift and passion for teaching teens about Jesus that he used to serve others from the time he was just 17. He also was skilled at creating unique experiences for the youth group; a life-sized version of Angry Birds comes to mind.

Keith loved RV trips, fishing, hunting, and playing golf with his kids, though he could be heard saying “I’d rather be fishing” after a bad shot. He also loved cooking for this family. No matter what he was doing, he was happiest when surrounded by his wife and kids.

Keith is preceded in death by his mother, Ruby.

He is survived by his wife, Lori; children, Travis, Suzanne, Christopher (Morgan) and Hunter; children, ; grandson Hudson; “adopted” son, Chad (Laura); father Ronda; and siblings, Kathy (Jerry) and Kevin.

A viewing will be held Friday, October 20, from 6-8pm. The funeral will be held Saturday, October 21, at 10am. Both will happen at Triad Baptist Church in Kernersville.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Triad Baptist Church. Donations can be made online at tbcnow.org/give or mailed to 1175 S Main Street, Kernersville, NC 27284. Please direct your donation to Missions or the Singles Ministry, two ministries close to Keith’s heart.