Ralph Eugene Smith

Ralph Eugene Smith Sr., born on August 31, 1951, in Nashville, Tennessee, was the son of James Nathaniel and Bernice Paschall Smith. On Monday, October 9, 2023, he peacefully passed away at his residence.

He was predeceased by his parents, along with his brothers, Calvin Bernard Smith and Gary Allen Smith.

Ralph received his education from the Nashville Public School system. On September 13, 1973, he married Vivian Enez Beard. Together, they were blessed with two children: Marilyn Tiffany Johnson and Ralph Eugene Smtih, Jr.

Ralph joined the US Airforce in January 1971. There, he served as an Aircraft Air Conditioning Mechanic until November 1976. After concluding his military service, he returned to Nashville, TN and became a Lineman with TVA. He later transitioned from TVA to the State of Tennessee where he began a new career as a Building Maintenance Worker. Eventually, Ralph was transferred to Clarksville, TN, where he assumed the role of Welcome Center Manager. Ralph's dedication, commitment and desire to help others was evident throughout his career. In January 2011, Ralph retired from the State of Tennessee. 

A true believer, Ralph cherished reading the Bible and was an active member of the Mt. Zion Church of God Holiness in Whites Creek, TN. His dedication to his faith was recognized, and he was ordained as a Deacon. Ralph's affection for the Whites Creek Saints was evident, and he consistently encouraged everyone to love both God and one another, not just within the walls of the church, but in all facets of life. In addition to reading the word, Ralph was also an avid fisher.

Ralph was loved by many and was known to be quite a jokester. He never met a stranger and would kid around with everyone he met and give them a nickname. His affection wasn't limited to just his biological children and grandchildren; he embraced and loved all the children that God brought into his life, treating each with warmth and love.

Ralph's legacy continues through the many lives he touched. He leaves behind, to cherish his memory, his devoted and beloved wife of 50 years, Vivian; children: Tiffany Johnson (Seab) and Ralph E. Smith, Jr.; grandchildren: Seab Johnson II, Sean Johnson, Azriel Johnson, Seth Johnson, Ayana Johnson, Aquoia Johnson and Brandi Gordon; brother, James N. Smith and sister, Rosilyn D. Jordan; his Church family: Elder Michael Washington (Susan), Deacon Darrell Thompson (Randa), John Wiggins (Ramona), Lena Thompson, Darrell Thompson Jr, Kory Simmons (Patricia), Barbara Bingham, Marcia Mullins, Monica Washington, Doris McMillan, the Catlin family, Stephen Washington (Sherika) and the Saints of Alcoa and Knoxville, TN.; brothers-in-law: Rolph Beard (Irma), Nicolas Beard (Darlene), Samuel Beard, and Stephen Beard (Randa); sister-in-law, Ola Mullins; a slew of adopted children: Vetural Duckett, Zaire Jackson, Tylique Bell, Taquise Stewart, Tanya McGaugh, and Torina McCord-Woods; a host of nieces, grand-nieces, great-nieces, nephews, grand-nephews, great-nephews, cousins, aunts and many friends and neighbors.