Ruth R. Smith

Ruth Reigle Smith passed from death into eternal life on January 29, 2024, where she was welcomed by the waiting arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was born in Bartow, Florida on July 25, 1936 to Coburn (Dee) and Naomi Reigle. After completing nursing school and a year of Bible college, she married Ralph L. Smith Jr. in 1959. They lived in multiple states (including a short time in Haiti) throughout their marriage and settled in Atlanta, Georgia for 30 years. Raising five children, serving in mission centered ministries, and participating in their local church was a priority for them. For the past 24 years Ruth lived in Simpsonville, South Carolina and was an active member at Fellowship Baptist Church in Taylors, South Carolina.

She encouraged many through her hospitality and written communication. Known by her children and grandchildren for her warm chocolate chip cookies, teacup collection, and love for travel. She was happiest when surrounded by family. Ruth is best known to all for her heart for missions, her status as a prayer warrior, and her passion for spending time in God’s Word, she will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Ruth’s family asks that she not be remembered by the sadness of her passing but be remembered instead for the blessed hope offered through her salvation by grace through faith and for the steadfast hope that she shared with others.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Ralph, and her sisters, Elaine Burge, and Virginia Reigle. She is survived by her children, Tim (Tatiana) Smith, Kathryn Smith, Miriam (David) Rodrigue, Sharon Watson, and Martha Smith as well as her grandchildren, Austin (Gen) Smith, Alexis Rodrigue, Coby (Mireya) Watson, Taylor (Hannah) Rodrigue, Walker (Molly) Watson, and Callie Watson. She has one precious great-granddaughter, Adelaide Watson. In addition, she is survived by her brother through marriage, Webb (Sherry) Rice, nieces and nephews and their families.

A visitation will be held Saturday, February 03, 2024 from 1:30 p.m. until 2:45 p.m. at Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Southeast followed by the funeral service at 3:00 p.m. in the Chapel. Burial will be private.

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