Ralph George Smith, 68, lifelong resident of Madison, Fla., suddenly departed his earthly life to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020, in Madison, Fla. Viewing & Visitation will be held on Friday, Oct. 30, 2020, from 4 p.m to 6 p.m. at Shiloh M.B. Church, 209 MLK, Jr. Dr., Madison. Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, in Oakridge #1 Cemetery, 394 NW Meeting Ave., Madison. Tillman of Madison (850-973-6677) is serving the Smith family.
Ralph accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior early in life. As he matured in his faith, he demonstrated his Christianity daily with his selfless acts by loving, caring, sharing and respecting those whose lives he touched, whether on the job, in the community, or with his family. He was a "people person" who was known by many, respected and loved by all.
He was a 1971 Madison High School graduate and member of the first inaugural class for the newly merged Madison High School with Suwannee River High School, which created a totally desegregated and consolidated educational experience. Two years later, Ralph graduated from North Florida Junior College earning his A.A. Degree.
A lifelong resident of Madison, Ralph was married to his high school sweetheart, Sarah Graham, for 48 years. She preceded him in death on Aug. 5, 2019.
Ralph began his employment as a forklift operator at Florida Plywood in Greenville, Fla., but later became gainfully employed at Buckeye Cellulose Corporation (now Georgia Pacific) in Perry, Fla. He retired from his position as clinical coordinator with a combined 43-year employment career. Despite the many decades he was employed, Ralph managed to balance work with his favorite pastimes. He found much enjoyment in getting back to nature and spent much time on his farm. He had a passion for growing vegetables and his citrus fruits – oranges, lemons and grapefruits and had great joy in sharing them with others. Ralph also raised chickens, goats, quails and horses and really loved caring for them.
Ralph most enjoyed the thrill of football and was truly a die-hard football fanatic who championed the Madison County High School Cowboys, the Dallas Cowboys and the Florida Gators. Whenever possible, he attended the games to rally team support; otherwise, he enjoyed being the team's armchair coach or quarterback – whichever one was most needed.
Among Ralph's other enjoyments that he looked forward to were fishing, hunting and traveling and spending time with family. His children, siblings and friends all have their special memories of the wonderful times they spent together. They, as well as others who knew him best, would readily recall his favorite sayings, but the one that would readily come to mind would have to be, "And I'll tell you another thing!"
Forever cherishing his life and memories are his loving and adoring children; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; siblings: Pastor Willie Smith, David Johnson, Sonia (Robert) Jones, Beverly (Jerry) Smith, Annette (Sidney) Johnson-Stepney, Henry (Lucile) Danzy and Onazina (Carrie) Washington, Jr.; and many other relatives and loving friends.
Ralph will be greatly missed.