Ronald Smith

Ronald Mark Smith, 45, of Shelby, passed away Friday, November 25, 2016 at his home.

Mark was born April 11, 1971 in Stanly County to Ronald Melvin Smith and Wanda Delaine Hearne Smith. He was also preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Fletcher and Martilda Hearne and paternal grandparents, Robert and Alline Smith.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm, Friday, December 2, 2016 at Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle, 522 N. Second St. The funeral service, officiated by Rev. Stoney Benfield, will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 3, 2016 at Prospect Baptist Church, 502 Prospect Church Rd., Albemarle. He will lie in state for 30 minutes prior to the service. The burial will follow at the church cemetery. At other times, the family will be gathering at his parents' home, 40769 Hearne Rd., New London.

In addition to his parents, Ronald and Wanda Smith of New London; he is survived by his two sons, Ronald Rex Smith (12), and Dylan Alexander Smith (10), both of Weddington; sister, Sandra Delaine Smith Phillips and husband Larry of Goose Creek, SC; and former wife, Sarah McLeod Smith of Weddington.

Mark was a former Eagle Scout, and was awarded Ordeal, Brotherhood and Vigil Honor distinctions in the Order of the Arrow. He also received the Boy Scout’s Founders’ Award. Mark graduated from North Stanly High School in 1989, where he was the captain of the Quiz Bowl team and member of the marching band. He graduated from NC State as a North Carolina Teaching Fellow. He was also a member of the NC State rugby team. Mark taught school for two years before going to graduate school at University of Virginia, where he obtained his Masters in Chemical Engineering. He worked as a project manager for International Automotive Components in Spartanburg, SC. Mark was a loving father, son, and brother. He enjoyed camping and sharing his love for our Lord with his boys. Mark taught Sunday School and was a lay speaker. He loved traveling with family and friends, and was an avid reader.

Memorials may be made to Central NC Council Boy Scouts of America, PO Box 250, Albemarle, NC 28002.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Smith family.