Walter Ronald Smith

February 4, 1941 - February 7, 2022

Walter "Ronnie" Smith, 81, of Miami, FL, passed away peacefully in Homestead, FL, on February 7, 2022. Ronnie was born February 4, 1941, in Miami to the late John "Smitty" and Bernice "Shorty" Smith. He was a member of the Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church of Oxford, FL. Ronnie proudly served in the National Guard. He enjoyed boating, fishing, and traveling. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and niece, who he referred to as the "Fab 5". One of Ronnie's proudest accomplishments was working with his son and daughter-in-law to start Southern Golf Cars in Miami, FL. Ronnie was predeceased by the love of his life, his wife, Lillian Elaine Bess Smith, of 57 years. He is survived by his daughter, Myrle (Tony) Schulz of Miami, FL; son, Walter "Ronnie" (Maria) Smith II of Spring Hill, FL; grandchildren, Sabrina Smith, Kyle (Chelsea) Schulz, Derick Smith, and Kory Schulz; great-grandson, Theodore Schulz; sister, Connie (George) Webb; brothers-in-law, Donald "Snapper" (Linda) Bess and Alonzo "Buddy" Bess; sister-in-law, Cynthia (Ricky) Blankenship; nieces, Katrina (Ryan) Baggett, Carla (Danny) Benavides, Tawny (Jeff) Cowart, Jenny Bess, Christy (Clint) Bass, and Laura Blankenship; great-niece, Abigail Baggett; and lots of loving, extended family members. A time of visitation will be held Saturday, February 12, 2022, at 11:00 am at First Missionary Baptist Church of Kenansville (760 S. Canoe Creek Rd), with a service to follow at noon with Pastor Paul Watson officiating. Interment will follow at Kenansville Cemetery. In place of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation to the American Cancer Society.