Photo No. 2828

Ronald Lewis Smith, age 77, formerly of St. Francisville, Louisiana, passed away on August 20, 2026, following a lengthy illness. He was surrounded by his loving family.Ronald was born in Humphreys County, Mississippi, to Louis D. Smith and Ruby Nell Ables Smith. Fifty-eight years ago, he married the love of his life, Mardis Rushing Smith, in Mississippi. The couple later moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where they welcomed their son, Ronald Gregory Smith. They eventually made their home in St. Francisville, Louisiana, where they built a life together filled with family, hard work, faith, and many cherished memories. Ronald dedicated 39 years of his career to Gulf States Utilities, which later became Entergy. His commitment to his community extended beyond his career, as he also proudly served for many years as a volunteer firefighter in St. Francisville. An avid outdoorsman, Ronald loved spending time in the woods hunting turkey and deer and, every now and then, finding time to catch a few fish. He appreciated the simple things in life and was happiest surrounded by the people and places he loved. Ronald and Mardis attended First Baptist Church of St. Francisville regularly. Of all the names Ronald was known by throughout his life, perhaps his favorite was "Papa Ron." He was deeply loved by his granddaughters and grandson-in-law, Nicole Villarreal and husband, Javier, and Erica Rene Faul; his great-granddaughters, Marleigh and Ava Faul; and his great-great-grandson, Rowan Faul. Papa Ron loved his family fiercely, and the love he gave them will remain one of the greatest parts of his legacy. Those left to cherish his memory include his devoted wife of 58 years, Mardis Rushing Smith; his son, Ronald Gregory Smith and wife, Veronica Villavaso Smith; his granddaughters and grandson-in-law, Nicole and Javier Villarreal, and Erica Rene Faul; his great-granddaughters, Marleigh and Ava Faul; his great-great-grandson, Rowan Faul; and many other family members and friends who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis D. Smith and Ruby Nell Ables Smith. Visitation will be held on August 24, 2026, from 9:00am to 11:00am at Charlet Funeral Home, located at 4210 Zachary St.; Zachary, LA 70791. Funeral services will begin at 11:00am with

Reverend Joel Williams and Reverend Joe Ratcliff officiating. Ronald will be laid to rest at Star Hill Cemetery in St. Francisville, Louisiana.

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