Ronny Jay Smith

Ronny Jay Smith, aka “Wingnut,” passed away on May 24, 2022.  He was born on September 12, 1960, at the University Hospital in Oklahoma City, OK, to parents George Forrest Smith and Sara Ann Stapleton Smith.

Ronny spent his childhood, teens, and early adulthood in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  As a young teen, he would make money mowing neighbors’ lawns and collecting bottles for change.

He attended Capitol Hill High School, where his intrigue with everything motorized began.  He scraped together a bit over $100.00 to buy a car which really put the wheels in motion.  He would trade, fix, drive, and upgrade vehicles and motorcycles from then on.

Ronny began working for various machine and tool shops throughout the Oklahoma City area.  His big break came when he started working for Halls Alternator and Starter Shop.  In 1986, he was recruited by the owner of Athens Alternator and Battery and relocated his family to the East Texas area and, more specifically, to the Athens and Eustace area in Henderson County.  He went on to purchase Athens Alternator and Battery and successfully operated the business until he retired and sold the business in 2012.

His hobbies included coaching and supporting Little League, Baseball, Football, and any sport his children and grandchildren were involved in.  He enjoyed fishing and troubleshooting anything mechanical.  Ronny had a passion for motorcycles and eventually joined several motorcycle clubs. Ronny found his place within the Cossack motorcycle club and pledged his loyalty to them.  He enjoyed many activities, fun, and the brotherhood he came to know and love.  Ronny was a local member of the Cedar Creek Chapter.  He also rescued and cared for many different types of animals, but his greatest love was spending time with his family. Ronny “Wingnut” will be dearly missed by all that knew and loved him.

Ronny is survived by his sons Dustin Smith, Ronny Smith, Jr. and wife Geneva, Charles Smith and wife Kaitlyn; daughter Sara Baker; grand-children Jaxon Baker, Rylan Baker, and Raegan Smith; brother George Wayne Smith; nephews Brian Thompson and Jesse Smith; nieces April Powers and Jasmine Smith; his significant other Catherine
“KitKat” Cantrell and her son Robby Cantrell and grandson Wyatt Cantrell; and his former wife and mother of his children Stella Smith.

He is preceded in death by both his parents.

Aite-Then