Ronald "Josh" Smith, Jr., 77, of Madison Heights, Virginia, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Ronald was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, faithful Christian, and friend. He never met a stranger, and everyone who crossed his path was greeted with a warm smile, a kind word, or a joke that left them laughing. His joyful spirit and playful sense of humor earned him the beloved nickname "Josh," a name that became synonymous with kindness and friendship.

Born on July 16, 1948, in Lynchburg, Virginia, Ronald was the son of the late Ronald Alphonza Smith, Sr. and Bettie Woodruff Smith, and was raised in part by his stepfather, Franklin D. Smith.

Ronald attended Dunbar High School and was a faithful member of Diamond Hill Baptist Church for many years. He served on the Trustee Board and Usher Board and joyfully lifted his voice in both the Men's Chorus and Gospel Chorus. His unwavering faith guided the way he lived, served, and loved others.

Ronald was the proud owner of Old Stuff Upholstery Shop, where he reupholstered and refinished beautiful furniture, and made lasting friendships with customers throughout the community. He believed in treating every person with respect and kindness.

Ronald embraced life with enthusiasm and curiosity. He loved fishing, horseback riding, collecting antiques, going to the ocean, and caring for the many dogs that were part of his family over the years. He also enjoyed public speaking and performed in several productions at the Lynchburg Fine Arts Center. Whether volunteering in the community, sharing stories, or making others laugh, Ronald found joy in bringing people together.

Ronald treasured his family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Joyce Tweedy Smith; his daughters, Renee Johnson (Kevin) and Rhonda Stokes (Greg); his beloved grandchildren, Noah and Nicholas Johnson, and Skylar and Jaxon Stokes; his siblings, Jerry Smith (Brenda), Cherlyn Thomas, Gladys Smith, and Jennifer Smith; a great-nephew, DuJuwan Franklin, who held a very special place in his heart; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and lifelong friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ronald Alphonza Smith, Sr.; his mother, Bettie Woodruff Smith; his stepfather, Franklin D. Smith; his brothers, Raymond and Gregory "Blue" Smith; and his sister, Patsy Pinn.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 from 5:00-7:00 PM at Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg. A celebration of Ronald's life will be held at Diamond Hill Baptist Church on Thursday, July 2nd at 12PM.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.