Ronald Smith III

Ronald Smith III, also known as “Gatorman” and “Mann”, was born March 25, 1977, in Columbus, Ohio to his wonderful parents, Ronald Smith, Jr., and Yolanda Smith-Johnson. God called Ronald to eternal rest Sunday, November 12, 2023, at the age 46, in Columbus, Ohio. Ronald was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Ronald Smith, Sr., and Virginia West; maternal grandparents, Paul Chavis and Mary Ann Chavis; stepdad, Stanley M. Johnson; and many special uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends who have transitioned.

Ronald attended West High School in Columbus, Ohio, where he played football. He played a variety sport for Beatty Recreation Center where he grew up in Poindexter Village. Ronald was baptized at an early age at St Mark AME on Trevitt Street in Columbus, Ohio, where he served on the YPD and sang in the Youth Choir.

Ronald was a compassionate, caring, and loving brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. He was a family-oriented guy that loved to spend time with family and friends. He had a big heart; he was always willing to assist others if they called on him. Ronald showed great stewardship; he never let anyone go hungry and he would give his last to make sure others never went without. He would always say, “I will be alright, God takes care of me.” He would go back and forth from his mom’s house to his dad’s house to make sure they were both good and taken care of.

Ronald, my little brother Gatorman, no matter what trial or tribulations he was always an active relative, brother, uncle, cousin, friend, and more! Ronald went to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina to help them rebuild the state. He would share his experiences of how grateful we really are. He recently went back to New Orleans to help remodel homes.

He would befriend anyone or everyone who crossed his path. We come from a family that have taken people in and nurtured them and accepted them like family. Gator loved his family and friends. Ronald (Gatorman) would never leave a conversation with anyone without saying, “One Love Gatorman,” or “Okay, love you, Gatorman.” He didn’t have any children but loved helping others with children, including his sister Rhonda and her three children. He kept a smile on his face and he was an encouraging person.

He leaves to cherish his memories: his father Ronald Smith, Jr.; mother, Yolanda Smith (Eugene) Johnson; sister, Rhonda Dingess (Don Perkins); brother, Cameron Lee of Alabama; godmother, Theresa Brown-Harper; bonus sisters, Dominic Johnson, Danielle Saunders, and Laquetis Pass; bonus brother, Todd Saunders; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, many cousins, other family, and friends.

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