Mr. Ronald Lyn Smith

Ronald Lyn Smith, affectionately known as Ron, passed away on March 12, 2024. He was born to Alicia Roberts (formerly Smith) and Anthony Smith on October 23, 1975 in Talladega, Alabama. In his early years, he and his siblings, Crystal Wright (formerly Smith) and Bradley Smith lived in Columbia, South Carolina. It was in Columbia, watching his father create art for local businesses, that Ron developed a love and passion for the craft that nearly drove his existence. After the family moved to the metro Atlanta area, Ron still pursued art, working closely with his high school art teacher, Mr. Aiken, to not only excel beyond his peers but also to solidify his name and style amongst Atlanta art giants. Atlanta not only birthed a new art style for Ron, it also birthed his family. It was in Atlanta that Ron met his high school sweetheart, Jennifer Misenheimer, who he later married and started a family. His wife and children, Linnea, Camron, Kira, and Ethan, supported Ron's dreams and desires to make Atlanta a home for the South's thriving art culture. In raising his children and pursuing his dream, Ron created a successful life for himself and immense hope for those who witnessed. Driven to make Atlanta home to the nation's most influential creators, Ron spent much of his time mentoring children, adolescents, and young adults. His sole desire was to make each student a better artist. He created a community founded on inclusion, diversity, respect, and passion. He gave artists an outlet and a space where they could grow, find themselves, and reach back to help another just beginning his or her journey. The culture Ron created promises to have a multigenerational impact. Ron's love shone through his work and relationships. His ability to love so effortlessly and selflessly is a testament to his knowledge of and love for God. A passionate follower of Christ, Ron lived his life seeking Heaven's glory, determined to finish well. Ron's physical presence will be profoundly missed, but his spirit and work will live through his children, Linnea Bahlinger, Camron Smith, Kira Smith, and Ethan Smith; his grandchildren: Kyair Ali Frazier and Garon Marquel Tyrek Frazier, Jr.; his former spouse and best friend: Jennifer Smith; his parents: Alicia H. Roberts (mother), Anthony L. Smith (father), Sheryl Smith (stepmother), and Diane Stephens (mother-in-love); his siblings: Crystal S. Wright (sister), Galen L. Wright (brother-in-law), Bradley C. Smith (brother), Victoria S. Young (sister), Dontaye Young (brother-in-law), and Jason Wuerdeman (brother-in-love); his nieces: Kennedy Wright, Kaylynne Smith, Lily Young, Gia Wright, Kristen Wright, Dallas Wright, Daylin Wuerdeman, and Makenzii Wuerdeman; nephews: Myron Wright, Christopher Wright, and Logan Young; host of aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, Gallery 992, and the Atlanta art community.

Tributes

Mr. Ronald Lyn Smith

October 23, 1975 - March 12, 2024