Ronnie Smith of Cordele and Mexico Beach, Florida died on Saturday, December 23rd at his home in Cordele. He was 73 years, born to Wilson and Audrey “Dood” on March 11, 1944. He attended East Crisp elementary and was graduated from Crisp County High School where he was a band member and a member of DeMolay International, Crisp High Chapter. He attended Berry College in Rome, Georgia and earned a BS in Business Administration from Valdosta State. He also served in the National Guard duringthe Vietnam Era where he was High Gunner, 2nd Battalion, 1st Brigade. He was a life long member of his fraternity Sigma Phi Epsilon, also a member of The Cordelia Lodge #296 F & AM, Hasan Shriner’s Temple, and Mount Ohram Purity Church where his grandfather, William Smith, was a cofounder. In October 2015 he was diagnosed with liver cancer and received a liver transplant at Emory University Hospital. He had a local transplant team who cared for and inspired him. They are: Jodi Ingram, Cherri Thompson, Teresa Ward,and Mittie Mitchell. Our family will be forever grateful for their unflagging care and love. In his early career he was a crop duster and later was invested in real estate and various other businesses. Most recently he was a subcontractor for the Department of Defense in the role of financial advisor. He is survived by wife, Cathi. An older brother, Connell Smith, a younger sister, Ann Davis (Downer). Three nephews, Joe Smith (Amanda), Tom Smith (Susie) Kane Coleman (Nikki) and one niece Poppy Davis (James). His great nieces are Lindsey Bishop (Jeremy), Emily Smith, Taylor Palmerin, Kaila Gillin, Masyn Coleman, Eliana Smith, and Daisy Schreiner. Great nephews, Davis Robinson, Colby Smith, Beau and Bear Mull. Great-great nieces, Breanna and Lacey Bishop and Faith Navarro. The visitation will be Tuesday the 26th of December at 1 o’clock with the service at 2 o’clock in the chapel of Rainey Funeral Services. Following the graveside rite at Pleasant View Cemetary there will be a “Jeans and Boots” country celebration of life at Ronnie’s home 1510 Pine Acres Drive. In case of rain (1986 GA Hwy 257). In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children, Office Of Development, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa FL 33607. Rainey Family Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements. An online guest register is available at www.raineyfuneral.com