Ralph Smith
Ralph Lee Smith, Jr. was born on January 29, 1974 in Chattanooga, Tennessee to Ralph Lee Smith, Sr. and Vivian Lee McClesky Smith.
He was a 1992 graduate of Tyner High School. His life was full of family time and supporting his children’s endeavors. He was a true father who disciplined fairly, sacrifice when he needed to and always present in the bleachers cheering his children that he loved so much. There is nothing he would not have done to make his children happy especially surprising them on their birthday. His life was full of connecting with people. He loved talking and having conversations if he had seen you in the grocery store or met you at the coffee shop. He loved to sell candy and snacks. He enjoyed the smile on a person’s face and the satisfaction of knowing he just made someone’s day. He loved the class reunion picnics with the Tyner High Alumnae.
His departure on Monday, May 10, 2021 has left us heartbroken. We will not hear his laugh, listen to Prince, Otis Redding or Sam Cooke the same, or hear him brag on how proud his children made him this time. It is time that we celebrate a true black man who was authentic, hardworking, and loved life and people.
He was preceded in death by his mother; two nephews, Terrance J. McClesky and David Looney Jr.
Survivors include his ex-wife, Yolanda Smith; two sons, Ralph Lee Smith, III and Charles P. Smith; daughter, Vivian Smith; sisters, Alee (Julio) Lopez, Kelley Smith, Sarah (David) Looney, and Sylvia Smith; brothers, Shawn (Anita) McClesky and Sherman McClesky; uncle, Victor McCleskey; aunts, Lena Carter, Virginia Harris and Vanessa Love; nieces, Devin Tucker, Tiana Martin, Julie Lopez, Karlee Smith, Khaylee Weatherspoon, Kyilee Smith, Khelea Weatherspoon, DeAnna (Aaron) Mitchell, and Ashlee Looney; nephews, Daniel Tucker, Charles McClesky, Shawn McClesky, Jr., Joshua Smith, Brayden Brown, Ethan Lopez, and Matthew Lopez; a host of grandnieces; grandnephews; cousins; other relatives and friends.
Ralph will lie in state on Saturday, May 22, at 10 a.m. at Taylor Funeral Home. A family service will follow at 4:30 p.m. in the chapel with Pastor Greg Spotts as the eulogist.