Ralph Ernest Smith, 91, of Mine Run Road, Rhoadesville, died on Thursday, September 22, 2022, at the Culpeper Health and Rehab Center. He was born on April 2, 1931 in Jonesville, Tennessee and was the son of the late Ernest J. Smith and Maude Huff Smith. He is also predeceased by a brother Robert J. Smith and a sister Helen Smith Byrd.
Ralph was a member of the Antioch Baptist Church in St. Just, retired from American Woodmark, was an Army Veteran, was instrumental in starting the Battlefield Unit of the Orange County Rescue Squad, and a long time member of the Mine Run Fire Company.
Ralph is survived by his wife of 54 years Lily McGehee Smith of Mine Run; a daughter Samantha “Sam” C. Gayle and husband Justin of Fredericksburg; three grandchildren Jade Minor and Kayin, Hayden Gayle, and Addison Gayle; three nephews Michael Byrd and wife Leslie of Davidson, NC, Joseph Smith of Gainesville, FL; and Leonard Ray Sorrell of Unionville; longtime friend Robert Beasley of Orange; and many more friends and family.
A graveside memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 1, 2022, at 11:00 A M at the Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery, St. Just. Rev. Terry Green will officiate. Preddy Funeral Home of Orange is assisting the family.
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