Smitherman, Ronnie

3/28/1940 – 9/20/2017

Mr. Ronnie Smitherman, 77, passed away about 3:30 PM on Wednesday, September 20, 2017 at Forsyth Medical Center with his loving family by his side. Mr. Smitherman was born on March 28, 1940 in Forsyth County to the late Clyde and Lillian Poindexter Smitherman. He worked with his family at Smitherman Oil Company from his youth days till 1984. Then Ronnie and his wife started Western Auto in Lewisville in 1984 and later changed the name to Smitherman’s Hardware Inc. It was his joy to be there at the store every day to greet customers. He had many friends whom he loved and helped. He enjoyed working on his farm, gardening, and keeping his yard beautiful. Ronnie loved cooking breakfast for his family and friends. He also loved hunting and fishing. He especially looked forward to taking the grandkids, family, and friends on fishing trips to the NC coast every Thanksgiving. Ronnie also always enjoyed his annual trip to Texas to visit relatives to attend the NASCAR race. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Tamara and an infant sister. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Betty Jo Choate Smitherman of the home; two sons, Craig (Jill) Smitherman and Brad (Lora) Smitherman; grandchildren, Will, Ben, and Garrett; one sister, Ruth (Bob) Buchanan; two brothers, Jim (Jessie) Smitherman and Mike (Carol) Smitherman; and several nieces and nephews. A funeral service for Mr. Smitherman was held on Saturday September 23, 2017 at 1 PM at Old Richmond EMC at 4450 Tobaccoville Road Tobaccoville, NC 27050 where he was a lifelong member. Burial followed in East Bend Baptist Church Cemetery. The family received friends from 11 AM to 1 PM on Saturday prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Winston Salem Rescue Mission, 718 N. Trade Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101. Huff Funeral Home of East Bend is respectfully serving the Smitherman family.