Ronald Frederick Smoot

Born on Friday, February 8, 1929, in Madison, West Virginia, Ronald Frederick Smoot lived a life defined by service, education, leadership, and compassion. He proudly served his country in the United States Army, exemplifying honor, discipline, and dedication throughout his military service and beyond.

A lifelong champion of education, Ronald believed deeply in the power of knowledge to transform lives. Through determination and perseverance, he received his early education in Boone County, West Virginia, while finishing his secondary schooling at Douglas High School in Huntington, West Virginia. Ronald earned a Bachelor of Science degree from West Virginia State College and a Master of Science degree from West Virginia University. His academic achievements were not merely personal milestones, but the foundation of a lifelong mission to uplift others through learning and opportunity.

Following his service in the United States Army, Ronald began his educational career as a teacher at Tuskegee Institute High School in Tuskegee, Alabama. During his years in Alabama, he witnessed firsthand the struggle for equality and became involved in the Civil Rights Movement, particularly during the historic Rosa Parks Montgomery Bus Boycott. These experiences further strengthened his lifelong commitment to social justice, educational access, and community empowerment.

He later relocated to Northport, Long Island, New York, where he served as a teacher and counselor within the prison system, dedicating himself to helping individuals improve their lives through education and personal growth. His passion for serving those often overlooked by society led him to the New York State Hospital Psychiatric System, where he served as Education Coordinator at Kings Park State Hospital. In this role, he was responsible for establishing, operating, and overseeing educational programs designed to meet the diverse needs of clients of all ages, educational backgrounds, and social levels within a population exceeding 10,000 individuals.

Ronald’s distinguished career in education continued with the Amityville Board of Education on Long Island, where he served successively as a teacher, counselor, assistant principal, and ultimately Director of School Community Relations. Throughout every position he held, he remained steadfast in his belief that education was one of the most powerful tools for personal achievement and community advancement.

A committed advocate for civil rights, education, and community advancement, he was a Life Member of the NAACP, a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and a Charter Member of the Long Island Minority Education Association. Through these organizations, he worked to strengthen communities, promote educational achievement, and advance opportunities for future generations. He was also a devoted member of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in St. Albans, West Virginia, where his faith further nurtured his lifelong commitment to service, mentorship, and helping others reach their fullest potential.

It is evident that throughout Ronald’s career and personal life, he encouraged, mentored, and inspired people to dream boldly, pursue excellence, and recognize their unlimited potential.

While education and service defined much of his life's work, relationships and family brought him his greatest joy. Ronald shared a loving marriage with his beloved wife, Jaquetta, whose untimely passing early in their marriage was a profound loss. Though that loss remained with him throughout his life, he was later blessed to find companionship, friendship, and happiness with Luella Henry. Their relationship brought comfort, laughter, and fellowship during his later years, and he treasured the special bond they shared.

Though our hearts are heavy with loss, we celebrate a life of purpose, integrity, and service. His example reminds us that true greatness is found not in what we achieve for ourselves but in what we do for others.

Ronald was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Oscar and Ruth Smoot; his wife, Jaquetta, special friend, Lullea Henry, his cherished siblings; and a devoted surrogate son, Dr. Anthony J Cannon, whom he lovingly mentored from childhood into adulthood. One of the great joys of his life was witnessing this young man's journey and proudly celebrating his achievement of becoming a distinguished clinical endocrinologist, a testament to the power of guidance, perseverance, and opportunity that he so strongly believed in.

Although he had no biological children of his own, he was deeply loved and treasured by his family and embraced the role of mentor, uncle, cousin and trusted advisor to many. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted nieces and nephews: Rosa Kendricks Margaret Oden, Marquetta Devaux, Wilma Watkins, James Coles, Deborah Coles, Leslie Price, Warren Price, Marion Campbell and Marzetta Hamilton; along with numerous great-nieces, great-nephews, his surrogate daughter-in-law, Mae Cannon, special cousin, Marva Lewis, and abundance of cousins, extended family members, and friends whose lives were enriched by his love and wisdom.

Ronald held a special place in his heart for his niece, Deborah Coles, whose extraordinary devotion and selfless care brought him great comfort during the final chapter of his life. For fifteen months, Deborah lovingly put many aspects of her own life on hold to ensure his well-being, providing steadfast support, companionship, and compassionate care. He was deeply grateful for her sacrifices and exceptionally proud of the love, dedication, and strength she demonstrated each day.

Ronald was also extremely grateful for the devoted assistance of his nephew, Warren Price, niece, Sandra Price, cousin, Marva Lewis, and his minister intern, Gabriel Gorby, who faithfully assisted with his daily affairs and care. Their steadfast support, concern for his well-being, and willingness to help with life's necessities provided comfort and reassurance during his later years. Their love, kindness, and dedication were deeply appreciated and will long be remembered by those who witnessed their service to him.

Those who knew Ronald Frederick Smoot remember a man of exceptional intellect paired with genuine humility. He loved people and possessed a remarkable ability to connect with individuals from all walks of life.

"His life was a testament to service, education, leadership, and love. He leaves behind a legacy not only of achievement, but of lives transformed by his encouragement and example."

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday. October 30 at St. Paul Baptist Church, 821 B Street, Saint Albans. Burial will follow in Donel C, Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery, Dunbar.

Family and friends will gather one hour prior to the service at the church.

Arrangements are care of Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.