Ronald L Smith, “Bishop,” was born on Nov. 9, 1943, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
God took him home to his reward at the age of 77 on Sept. 11, 2021, after fighting a battle with cancer. His faith never wavered, and his words were always, “God is so good.” He was surrounded by his wife and five children at the time of his death in Aberdeen, Washington.
He graduated from Central High School in Cape Girardeau, Missouri in 1961.
In 1962, his ministry had just begun when he met the love of his life, Joyce Arnold at age 19 during a fellowship meeting. They were married May 9, 1964, in St. Louis, Missouri.
Ron started his pastoral ministry in Kirksville, Missouri in 1970 and was ordained by the United Pentecostal Church in 1973 while pastoring in Morley, Missouri.
In 1975, Ron moved his family to Washington state to follow God’s will. He fell in love with the picturesque green and mountain landscape.
In August of 1976 he became Pastor of the now known World of Praise United Pentecostal Church in Hoquiam, Washington.
For the next 45 years he pastored and lived in Grays Harbor County.
He semi-retired in 2012, handing over the baton to his Assistant Pastor of 25 years, Brother William Pink.
His favorite scripture, Joshua 24:15. “… but as for me and my house we will serve the Lord.”
His greatest love was for the word of God. You would always find him at the church studying and praying.
He enjoyed nurturing his plants, hummingbirds, bald eagles, ocean beaches, mountains, landscaping, Roman soldiers, racquet ball, ping pong, carrot cake, making peanut brittle and collecting rocks.
His happiest moments in his later years were spent with his grandbabies.
He had a special love for the Hispanic community. Many great ministers were guided and molded under his ministry.
He is preceded in death by his mother Earlene Smith, father Roy Smith, and brother David Smith.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Joyce Smith and their five children: Sheralyn Tysdal of Burien, Washington; Keralyn King of Napa, California; Ron Smith Jr. of Lakewood, Washington; Jodi Baron of Aberdeen, Washington, and Justin Smith of Orting, Washington. He is also survived by his nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and a host of extended family and friends.
Service will be held at Immanuel Baptist Church 1200 Soule Avenue, Hoquiam, WA 98550 on Sept. 18, 2021, at 11 a.m.
Graveside service to follow at Sunset Memorial Park, Hoquiam, WA 98520. Fellowship to follow graveside at Immanuel Baptist Church.
A message of condolence or of a memory can be sent to the family at www.fernhillfuneral.com
Arrangements are entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Washington.
