Ronnie Allen Smiley

Ronnie Allen Smiley, 76, of Emerald Isle, passed away on Friday, May 28, 2021, at Carteret Health Care. Ronnie was born on October 1, 1944, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, to the late Herbert Smiley and Doris Lawrence Smiley. After graduating from Benvenue High School in Rocky Mount, Ronnie attended Campbell College and Wesleyan College. He made a career in Virginia at Business Opportunities for the Blind (BOB). Being blind most of his life, his faith, his phenomenal memory, independence, and determination, along with his wife Sallie as his eyesight, gave him a normal life of traveling and enjoying life. After retiring, Ronnie and Sallie moved to Emerald Isle where they were members of Emerald Isle Baptist Church. Ronnie was an avid Carolina fan. Being blind, he could not see the action of Carolina (UNC) sports, but the description and enthusiasm of Woody Durham and other radio broadcasters enabled him to enjoy Carolina Fever. He is survived by his wife, Sallie Ellen Smiley (passed away June 25, 2021); brother, Larry Smiley and wife Debbie; son, Newsome Moore and wife Pam; granddaughters, Heather and Hope; and 3 great-grandchildren. A joint celebration of life will be held at 2PM July 22, 2021, at Emerald Isle Baptist Church, 304 Emerald Plantation Rd, Emerald Isle, NC 28594. A graveside service for both Sallie and Ronnie will be held 10:30AM July 24, 2021, at Pineview Cemetery, 761 E Raleigh Blvd, Rocky Mount, NC 27803. Pastor Freddie Braswell will officiate both services. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Arosa, Ronnie and Sallies caregiver, for the hours and special care they gave. Service Emerald Isle Baptist Church 304 Emerald Plantation Road Emerald Isle, NC 28594 Thursday 7/22, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm A joint celebration of life will be held at 2PM July 22, 2021, at Emerald Isle Baptist Church, 304 Emerald Plantation Rd, Emerald Isle, NC 28594. Pastor Freddie Braswell will officiate. Cemetery Pineview Cemetery 761 N. Raleigh Road Rocky Mount, NC 27801 Saturday 7/24, 10:30 am - 11:00 am A graveside service for both Sallie and Ronnie will be held 10:30AM July 24, 2021, at Pineview Cemetery, 761 E Raleigh Blvd, Rocky Mount, NC 27803. Pastor Freddie Braswell will officiate.