Ministering Through Love, Music, and Service

for

Ronald Wilbur Smith, Jr

March 8, 1972- April 6, 2026

Some lives don’t just pass through the world; they pour into it. Ronald “DJ Ronnie Ron” Smith, Jr. was one of those rare souls. The kind who didn’t just believe… he lived his belief out loud, in rhythm, in laughter, in love. He lived a life rooted in faith, fueled by joy, and guided by a calling he understood from an early age to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Day the Journey Began

Ronald Wilbur Smith, Jr. was born on March 8, 1972, in Orlando, to Ronald W. Smith, Sr. and the late Geraldine McGarvin. During his early years, Ron cherished spending time with his grandparents, especially Georgia Mae Kicklighter Smith and David “Buck” Smith of Lake Wales, who affectionately called him “Ronnie.” As a young boy, Ron was full of energy and joy. He was often inside the house wrestling and playing with his cousins, sometimes leaving a few broken things behind that their fathers had to replace. On Sundays, you could often find Ronald at his aunt’s house, enjoying family dinners and always making sure to take a plate to go moments that became treasured memories of love, laughter, and togetherness. If he had his way, Ronald would have hosted a family reunion every year, simply to keep everyone connected. Those early experiences helped shape the love, values, and strong family bonds he carried throughout his life. From these humble beginnings, Ron’s journey of purpose and passion began to unfold.

Those Who Passed Before Him

Ron matriculated into his heavenly home on Monday morning, April 6, 2026. He was preceded in death by his loving mother, Geraldine McGarvin; his uncles, James McGarvin, Leroy McGarvin, Charles Peterson, and David M. Smith, Sr.; his cousin, Elder Wilbert Edwards; his grandparents, Sammie Johnson, Eva Mae McGarvin Kelly, and David and Georgia Smith; and his beloved mother-in-law, Marilyn Burel.

Pursuit of Knowledge

Ron was a graduate of the Oakridge High School Class of 1991. His ambitious roots run deep. During his years at Oak Ridge High School, Ron was actively involved in Young Sophisticates, Christian Leaders of America (FCA), and ROTC. He was also an athlete, playing football and building the discipline and camaraderie that would define many of his lifelong friendships. He amplified the true Oak Ridge High School “Pioneer Spirit” and, in addition to attending, was instrumental in organizing the Class of 1991 reunions.  Ron loved to reminisce about those school days, reliving moments of joy, growth, and connection. Friends recall his ability to turn even something like summer school into a joyful experience, filling it with laughter, energy, and a deep love for Christ that was impossible to ignore. 

His pursuit of post-graduate studies led him to Bethune-Cookman and Valencia College. His desire to follow his heart for serving God and his community drew him away from his pursuit of a college degree. With unwavering faith in God, Ron walked boldly in his purpose. He was serious about his assignment, yet carried it with a spirit that was warm, jolly, and full of laughter. His humor could lighten any room, his smile could disarm even the heaviest moment, and his words often reminded others to release their burdens, famously saying, “I’m not going to worry about it, God will handle it.”  He decided to pursue higher education and graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Regent University, Virginia Beach. He later pursued an MBA from California Intercontinental University, Irvine, and was scheduled to graduate in June 2026. 

Cherished Relationships

To many, Ron was more than a fellow church member, friend, classmate, or roommate; he was family. As one close friend and classmate shared, he was truly a “brother from another mother.” He had a gift for connection, making people feel seen, welcomed, and valued. Whether it was introducing a new classmate to his circle or gathering friends around a lunch table, Ron created community wherever he went. The circle became lifelong bonds rooted in laughter, loyalty, and shared memories. Friends recall his ability to turn even something like summer school into a joyful experience, filling it with laughter, energy, and a deep love for Christ that was impossible to ignore.

The Dash That Made a Difference

His creative spirit caused Ron to merge his love for music with his devotion to ministry in the studio, at community outreach programs, roller skating rinks, special gatherings, and everywhere he found the opportunity. Ron’s entrepreneurial spirit and vision allowed him to turn passion into purpose. He didn’t just talk about faith—he amplified it. In the early 90’s, he was pioneering hip-hop gospel through a radio program with friends, Maurice “Da Motivator” and “DJ Creamolo” called Urban Drama. The motto was, “Where God is the biggie, biggie bomb!” The show grew from radio to a TV video show. Like Moses, Ron struggled with stuttering, but he would not let that hinder him from speaking about the love of Christ. He was so determined that he joined Toastmasters and was voted President of the High Point, NC chapter. His work paid off, and he later became an award-winning Gospel Radio DJ. He served as Program Director for 247 Praise Radio and produced syndicated shows such as Hip-Hop Praise and Grown Folk Gospel. Through platforms like Soul School Gospel and Hip-Hop Praise, he spread thought-provoking messages of faith, hope, and inspiration—often inviting classmates and friends to share their voices and stories with the world. He was also heard on WOKB 1600 Orlando, WORL 1270 Orlando, WKFL 1170 Wildwood, FL, Big WEAL Gospel 1510 Greensboro, NC, and then created his own app, the DJ Ronnie Ron app. One of his outreach programs was a Christian nightclub in Greensboro, NC.

Spiritual Journey

Ron enjoyed spirited conversations and meaningful debates about living a Christian life, always seeking truth and continually pointing others back to God. His life was a testimony not only in what he said, but in how he lived, how he loved, and how he served.

Ron began his spiritual journey at St. Mark A.M.E. Church in Orlando under the leadership of Pastor Samuel Green (later Bishop). Alongside his close friends Pastor Marcus Green, Craig Jefferson, Augustus Aikens III, and Diallo McKinney, Ron faithfully attended Thursday night Gospel Skating Nights, where he introduced his friends to a variety of uplifting spiritual music.  Their fellowship continued to grow as they also established a young adult Bible study on Friday nights, creating a space for faith, friendship, and spiritual growth.

Ronald “DJ Ronnie Ron” Smith leaves behind a legacy of faith, friendship, music, and ministry. His voice, his laughter, and his unwavering belief in God’s plan will continue to echo in the lives of those he touched. He held his faith close and embraced life with a spirit that was both determined and full of light.  His work in ministry started as a member of the youth choir and drummer at Miracle Tabernacle (Bishop Alphonzo Hardeman, FL). He continued his service at New Destiny Christian Center (Pastors Zachery & Riva Tims-Watkins, FL), Word of Hope (Pastor, Dr. Dallas Scales, Greensboro, NC), Calvary Revival Center (Bishop Courtney McBath, Norfolk, VA), Refuge Nation Church (Bishop Joe Baker, Hampton, VA), and most recently at Worship Center of Atlanta (Bishop Luther McKinstry, Forest Park, GA). 

When Two Hearts Became One

Ron met Saundra Burel in Orlando at Frontline Outreach, one of Ron’s hangouts as a child. Their connection blossomed into a lifelong bond, and they were later united in marriage on January 20, 2001, at New Destiny Christian Center, a meaningful occasion made even more special as it also coincided with the birthday of his beloved Aunt Margie.

Ministry in Motion

Ron was a skilled skater and was a member of The Gospel Roller Passé. He was seen skating backwards very smoothly. He used skating and music to connect with children as a way to open the door to minister to them. Ron had a heart for people, especially children. As a devoted school employee and later a teacher, he found deep joy in nurturing young minds and supporting those in need. His kindness was not passive; it was active, intentional, and consistent. He showed up for people, offered encouragement, and stood beside others as they chased their dreams. Ron was also known for always eating. Even at the schools where he worked, people were constantly feeding him.  He loved a good home-cooked meal and never turned one away. He jokingly told his wife that her cooking was one reason he married her; he loved to eat!

 Final Farewell

Ronald leaves to cherish his precious memory: his beloved wife,  Dr. Saundra Burel- Smith, of McDonough, GA; his father, Ronald W. Smith Sr., of Lake Wales, FL; his sister, Evita Jacobs, of Jacksonville, FL; his nephew, Kelvin Solomon; his aunts, Mary Denmark of Camden, NJ and Margaret Daniel of Orlando, FL; Uncle, Sammie Johnson of Orlando, FL , his father-in-law, Ronald Burel of McDonough, GA; and his brothers-in-law, David (Danielle) Burel of Alpharetta, GA; and R. Anthony (Shawana) Burel of Chicago, IL.

He also leaves behind his first cousins: Wanda D. Neal (Del), Donree Peterson, Alicia Gaskins, David M. Smith Jr. (Wanda), Joni D. Schofield (Daryl), Michael D. Smith Sr., (Carmencita), R. Dallas Smith (Bonnie), Raeshawna Upson and John “Chad” Gaines, along with the Smith and Kicklighter families.

Ronald was blessed with loving Godparents, Dr. Winfred and Juanita Verreen, and a loving Godsister, Shiela C. Carroll of Orlando, FL. He also leaves behind a host of other cousins, extended family members, and special friends who affectionately called him “Brother.”

He will be deeply loved, forever remembered, and dearly missed by all who knew him.