Ronnie Lee Smith, age 74, of Oakdale, California, was led Home, by the Lord’s hand. He quietly passed away at Doctors Hospital, in Modesto, CA on October 10th, 2025, with his family at his side. He suffered a fatal stroke.

Ronnie was born in Modesto to Paul Franklin and Gracie Pearl Smith on November 22, 1950. He then lived in Arkansas until returning to Waterford as a teen.

Ronnie worked for Foster Farms as a poultry supervisor for forty years, retiring in 2014, going on to work for Petaluma Poultry and Purdue Farms. Ron was currently working for the US Census Bureau. He loved music, playing guitar as a member of the Worship Team at River Oak Grace for a number of years, and Fred’s Group of Musicians. Currently Ron was playing with Brennan’s Parlor. He made lasting friendships with his warm heart and gentle soul, touching the lives of many with his deep faith in the Lord.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and one sister, his son Wesley and his grandson, Little Wesley. Ronnie is survived by his wife Tawny Yeatts Smith, his sons, Rod (Jennifer), Eric (Hannah), Aaron (Lena) and step children Giselle(Liz), Kelsey, Lacey, Lucas and 10 grandchildren.

Ronnie will be celebrated at Heritage Church on November 22, 2025 at 11 a.m., 1155 Escalon Ave., Escalon, CA. 95320. Ronnie will be remembered for his quiet strength, integrity, warmth, strong Faith in his Lord and the love he shared with everyone he met.

The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader

The Riverbank (Calif.) News

Nov. 12, 2025