A tragedy. A shock. Extremely sad news for all who knew this special man. Minister Ron Smith was one of the best friends I have ever known. Minister Ronald Smith passed away on Friday September 5, 2008 from a heart attack. I am still very shook up from this news and will let our readers know more as soon as I get it. He was such an incredible man and just recently brought the 2008 Million Man March to Michigan. Minister Ronald Smith was also the founder of the National Fatherhood Summit and was one of the co-founders of the Family Preservation Festival. Minister Ronald Smith was co-author of the book Cheated. Minister Ronald Smith was the CEO of Children Need Both Parents, Inc. Most of all Minister Ronald Smith was an amazing father and husband!
My thoughts are with Ron and his family right now.
Below is a very well known video of Minister Ronald Smith. Incredible speech which I had the pleasure of watching live in Iowa.
God Bless Ron - We ALL love you! "My brother from another mother"
Robert Pedersen
From the Family of Minister Ronald Smith
Your Brother in Christ Minister Ronald Smith called Home to be with Yahweh
It is with a heavy heart, and deep sympathy, that I announce to you today that Minister Ronald Smith was called home to be with the Lord. Minister Smith passed away from an apparent heart attack on September 5, 2008.
We are currently making arrangements and would ask you to stand by for further communications with regards to a memorial.
Children Need Both Parents mourns the loss of it's founder and CEO. We praise God that Minister Smith finished all that God charged him with, and is re-united in Heaven with his son Richmond. We vow to press on with the vision God gave him. Everyone here appreciates your love and support through this most difficult of times.
May God continue to shine upon you.
Minister Ronald Smith believed in a proper accounting of God's resources. In our efforts to honor his memory, and honor his principles of stewardship, we humbly request that donations be sent in lieu of flowers. This will enable us to more effectively continue the work God began in him.
Official Announcement from Ronald Smith’s wife, Sherry Shabazz Smith:
Please be advised that there will be two services for Ronald Smith.
Many of you know that Ronald Smith passed away on Friday September 5, 2008. Thank you for your kind thoughts, considerations and prayers at this time.
The first service is coordinated by Ron’s sister and mother. Ronald will be laid to rest in Chicago. The wake and funeral specifics are listed below.
Minister Ronald. Elijah Smith
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Woodlawn Union Baptist Church
6359 S. Eberhart
Chicago, IL 60637
10:00 -11:00 visitation
11:00 - 12:00 funeral
The second service is a Celebration Of Ronald Smith And His Life.
This celebration is coordinated by Sherry and will be held on Wednesday September 17, 2008 at 6:00 pm at the:
Abundant Life Ministries
1725 Division SE
Grand Rapids
Michigan
616-301-2325.
Sherry asks that NO cut flowers be sent. Live plants are welcome. Most importantly Sherry has asked that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Children Need Both Parents, Inc. Ronald did not have medical insurance nor did he have any life insurance. Again, Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.
Time Slot Speaker
11:00:00 AM State Rep Jones
11:15:00 AM State Rep Dean
11:30:00 AM State Rep De Roche
11:45:00 AM Chrissy Chrzanowski Split-n-Two
12:00:00 PM State Rep Hoogendyk
12:15:00 PM State Rep Candidate David Irons
12:30:00 PM Drew Thompson of Dads and Moms of MI
12:45:00 PM State Rep Polidori
01:00:00 PM David Taylor Oakland County FOCAC
01:15:00 PM State Rep Candidate Scott Hudson
01:30:00 PM County Comm Candidate Robert Kerr
01:45:00 PM Lary Holland Get Off the Bench
Posted by: Darrick Scott-Farnsworth | September 09, 2008 at 06:00 PM