James "Ronnie" Roland Smith, Jr.

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of James Roland “Ronnie” Smith, Jr., on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, in Gulfport, MS.

Ronnie, a native of Halls, TN., and longtime resident of Ocean Springs, MS., was a graduate of Arthur High School, and attended  Ole Miss University before he proudly served his country in the US Air Force and then found his niche in life in automotive sales. When retiring from Estabrook Toyota in Pascagoula, he did so with over 50 years of sales experience earning multiple sales awards, making numerous friends with both colleagues and customers alike, and gaining a reputation as an impeccable, trusted salesman by all that he knew and served and was emulated by many of the upcoming younger generations of young salespeople.

Ronnie is preceded in death by his father, James R. “Jim” Smith, Sr., his mother, Janie Beaty, a sister, Sydney McKenzie, and a brother, Marvin “Butch” Smith.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife and best friend of over 43 years, Gwynne Walker Smith; his stepmother, Jean Smith; his children, son, James R. Smith, III., and his wife Kristen of Ocean Springs, MS., his daughter, Leslie Shellman and her husband Jim of Oxford, MS., his daughter, Heather Hanvy and partner Mark Weyers of St. Louis, MO., and son, Kyle Dunavant and his wife Carrie of Long Beach, MS.; his grandchildren, Jay Smith, Hannah Smith, Hogan Shellman, Zach Hanvy, Sam Hanvy, Landon Dunavant and Greyson Dunavant; and his brothers of the heart, Tom Ryan of Slidell, LA., Bill Campbell of Nashville, TN and Alonzo Smith of Pascagoula, MS., and cousins, Bobby Smith, Mike Garrett and Tina Littlejohn; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends.

He was a 32nd degree Mason, a Shriner, and as most of you already know, an avid golfer. He loved being out on that golf course and spent a great deal of time out there after retirement.

Gwynne and the children would like to thank you all for the FB messages, emails and floral deliveries they have received in the past week.  A very special thank you to the Culbertson Family for their love and support of Gwynne and family. Your thoughtfulness and kind words have meant the world to them. A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later time.

The Riemann Family Funeral Home, 13872 Lemoyne Blvd., in West Jackson County is proudly serving the Smith Family. Please share memories and condolences by visiting our website at www.riemannfamily.com