Horice Smith

Obituary: Horice "Ronnie" Smith was born at the family home on Mueller StreetSeptember Fourth 1984 to Alton and Eliza Smith. Being the youngest of 8 children Ronnie was beloved by his older siblings. Growing up in Saint Matthews he attended Guinyard Elementary and laterJohn Ford High School. He graduated with the Class of 1966. Soon aftergraduation Ronnie followed the path of his older Siblings and moved toQueens, New York. Ronnie worked miscellaneous Positions beforedeciding to enlist in the United States Marine Corp. Ronnie like many other young men at the time served his country in Vietnam. He received The National Defense Service Medal; Vietnamese Service Medal; and a Purple Heart, and concluded his service with an honorable discharge.Upon Returning to New York Ronnie enjoyed a rich life of family time, fishing and working. He loved fishing, and would head out at sunrise andnot return till sun set. He took fishing trips, deep sea fishing and loved to drive. He was a rolling stone that drove out of state on a whim for nothingmore than the scenery. He enjoyed the casinos and playing his numbers.Ronnie had a light heart, and enjoyed the simple things. His humor was often unexpected because he had such a serious face. He worked for a Joe Brown's family owned Cleaning Service for several years before becoming employed with the New York City Transit Authority as a Bus Driver for the Ulmer Park Depot. He held this position for 17 plus years before a stroke forced him to retire. After some time of recuperation he retired to Savanna Georgia to live the leisure life in close proximity to his dear friend David Brown. After a bout of lung cancer Ronnie moved to San Diego California to live with his daughter Stephanie and son in law Paul.Ronnie lived the last years of his life surrounded by love, laughter and two little boys that brought him great joy. He relished the role as Grandpa and became a regular friendly face in the neighborhood as he took his daily walks. He spent many afternoon enjoying NCIS & movies with his grandsons, taking day trips with his buddy Jim. He made friends, travelled, gambled a bit and became an active member of the Reyes Household. He leaves behind his cherished family members:(Son) Livernard Bailey; (Daughter) Stephanie Reyes; (Stepson) Benito Guadalupe; (Stepson) Ricardo Guadalupe. (Sister) Marie Hart; (Sister) Mae Ulmer; (Sister) Willeann Keller; (Brotherinlaw) Ronald Ulmer; (Soninlaw) Paul Reyes. (Grandsons) Livelle Sampson, PJ Reyes, Christian Reyes and (great grandchild) Riley Sampson. Also his cherished nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Services: Service for Mr. Horice Smith, will be held 1:00 pm, Sunday, August 28, 2016, at JP Holley Funeral Home Chapel Columbia. A public viewing is scheduled for Saturday August 27, 2016 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm at the JP Holley Funeral Home St Matthews Chapel.

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