"Say not in grief 'he is no more' but in thankfulness that he was." – Hebrew Proverb

Ralph George Smith who was affectionately called: "Tweet" "RG" and "Boy George" was born on January 24 ^th , 1952 to the late Onazina Washington Sr. and Bertha Lee Smith. He was proceeded in death by his loving and faithful wife Sarah Elizabeth Smith, his devoted parents Bertha Lee Johnson Smith and Onazina Washington Sr., and a brother Gregory Smith. Ralph through the influence of his parents accepted the tenants of Christian faith, as he matured in his walk with God, he demonstrated his Christian values daily with his selfless acts by loving, caring, sharing, and respecting those whose lives he touched, whether on the job, in the community, or amongst his family. He was an endearing "people person" who was known by many, respected and loved by all.

Ralph a 1971 graduate of Madison High School and a member of the first inaugural class of the newly merged Madison and Suwannee River High School contributed to history by being part of a totally desegregated and consolidated educational experience. Later in 1973 he graduated from the formally North Florida Junior College earning his A.A. degree. A lifelong resident of Madison, Ralph was married to his high school sweetheart, Sarah Graham, a love affair that lasted for 48 years. From 1971 until August 5, 2019 he and Sarah spent their lives together. From raising children, the blessing of grandchildren and the ebb and flow of life, their marital devotion together was an unbroken cord of love and endearment.

Ralph began his employment as a forklift operator at Florida Plywood in Greenville, Florida, but later became gainfully employed at Buckeye Cellulose Corporation (now Georgia Pacific) in Perry, Florida. He retired from his position as clinical coordinator with a combined 43-year employment career. Despite the many decades' gainful employment, Ralph managed to balance work with his favorite pastimes. He found pleasure in getting back to nature and devoted much time on his farm. He possessed a passion for growing vegetables and citrus fruits of which he expertly cultivated: oranges, lemons, and grapefruits. The joy, however, was in sharing the fruit of his labor others. Ralph also raised chickens, goats, quails, and horses. He truly loved caring for his animals.

Ralph a football enthusiast and aficionado! A true die-hard fanatic whose knowledge of Madison County High School Cowboys, the Dallas Cowboys, and the Florida Gators championed others of which none could compete. Whenever possible, he attended the games to rally team support; and when time wouldn't permit, he was an armchair coach, quarterback, or whatever the team needed. Ralph was footballs most valuable player.

As Madison's own "Nature Boy" Ralph could be found fishing, hunting and traveling. He really knew how to communion with equal devotion land and water. Lastly what made Ralph Smith the man he became was family. Spending time with his family was his passion, it gave him joy in times of sorrow, and happiness in difficult moments. To him family was more than just a word it was an institution that he protected, honored, and whose devotion meant everything to him. His children, siblings, and friends all have their special memories of the wonderful times they spent together. They, as well as others who knew him best, would readily recall his favorite sayings among the many was his all-time favorite: "And I'll tell you another thing!"

"So live, that when thy summons comes to join, the innumerable caravan, which moves to that mysterious realm, where each shall take his chamber in the silent halls of death." –William Cullen Bryant

Ralph forever leaves to cherish his life, contributions, and legacy his loving and adoring children: Alecia (Sherman) Smith-Lewis of Atlanta, Ga; Derrick (Melissa) Smith of Barwick, Ga and Shaquitha (Bryan) Whitfield of Clayttville, Ga. Nine grandchildren: Kiara Lewis, Khalid Lewis of Atlanta, Ga; Juanye Smith, Shalion Smith of Perry, FL, Princess Smith, Te'a Smith of Tallahasse, FL; Rashad (Talissa) Guyton Jr. of Atlanta, Ga; Shauntavia Livingston, Shamaad Whitfield of Clayttville, Ga. Four Great Grandchildren: Aella Smith of Perry, FL, Ameyah Guyton, Auzzi Guyton of Atlanta, Ga; Peyton Shine of Clayttville, Ga. Three Sisters: Sonia Jones (Robert) of Plainfield, NJ; Beverly Jews (Jerry) of Augusta, Ga; Annette Johnson-Stepney (Sidney) of Saint Petersburg, FL. Four Brothers: Pastor Willie Smith of Roselle, NJ; David Johnson of Mountainside, NJ; Onazina Washington Jr. (Carrie) of Greenville, FL, Henry Dansey (Lucille) of Indonesia. A sister-in-law Iona Miller (Bishop Vernon) of Jacksonville, NC and a Brother-in-law Walter Jessie Graham Jr (Joyce) of Valdosta, Ga. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who will never forget Ralph George Smith.

" Hey family I'll tell you another thing, everything is alright now."