The Ron Smith Story
On May 22, 2024, Ron Smith Scholarships, Inc. was founded in Orlando, FL as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that awards scholarships to undergraduate seniors and final- year graduate students enrolled at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The scholarship honors the life and work of Ronald Dean Smith, a cherished member of the Richmond, VA community. Ron’s legacy provides financial resources and encouragement to needy college students who have demonstrated a commitment to graduate from an HBCU.
Ron and his siblings, Brenda and Mary Yvonne, grew up in Richmond, VA in a neighborhood known as Church Hill. Their parents, Mary Evelyn and Raymond, were both factory workers who stressed the importance and value of a sound education for their children. As a result, all three children graduated from Virginia Union University, an HBCU. Ron graduated with a bachelor’s degree in social work and after discovering his niche, became a certified national substance abuse therapist.
As Founder and CEO of Substance Abuse Counseling Services (SACS), Ron was successful in providing counseling throughout the Richmond community. He was also employed by the Virginia Department of Corrections as a Substance Abuse Counselor.
Ron was gregarious, loved to sing, and enjoyed a good life. He was an unselfish and nurturing person as evidenced by his years of helping individuals in crisis and lovingly caring for his family. He also looked after a series of pets, often spending more money on them than he did on himself. Ron knew how to enjoy the simple things in life and was not confined by a desire to always play it safe. He will be remembered as one who enjoyed the cartwheels and the high wires of life. His service and generosity will continue to inspire and uplift countless others through Ron Smith Scholarships, Inc.
Ron Smith Scholarships, Inc. 