Ronald Anthony Smith-Casey

On a crisp sunny morning , in the city of blue island Illinois, of cook county to be exact that a screaming, bouncing, bubbly baby boy made his grand entrance into the world.  Yes, it was May 6, 1978, Simone Smith was ready to step out and enjoy the Eisenhower Prom picnic but, GOD had other plans. A baby sang his first note and gave his first smile, and after much prayer and consideration, she decided to name her bundle of joy Ronald Anthony Smith which translated in Hebrew means song.

Affectionately known by his family as Ron-Ron, he was a very active, rambunctious kid. At a young age he was very outspoken, specifically 8 years old, he asked his neighbor to marry his mother and take care of them. The neighbor replied “Ron, I love you and your mom, but I’m already married”  Shortly after that unforgettable situation, Ron- Ron moved to the countryside roads of Forth Worth Texas in December during the winter break of  ’86.

Growing up in Texas with his father, was an eye-opening experience for him. For starters, the first sign that he noticed said: “Welcome to Cow Town” Secondly,  the warmer weather in the middle of December was unfamiliar, but early one morning while riding back home from taking his father to work, there was a cow sitting in the road, blocking traffic and Ron was convinced that he was truly in Cow Town.

Ron-Ron attended Hanley middle school where he started his football & music journey, starting with the saxophone, and he joined the football team. Freshman, sophomore, junior, and half of his senior year

 he attended Eastern Hills high school, he also learned to master many other instruments, including, Piano, Drums, Guitar, Bass, and most uniquely his voice.  Ron-Ron  also, became the star athlete known throughout the city, and the school district as “Stump” He was truly a force on the field. Ron-Ron even got the opportunity to play on the varsity team his sophomore year.

Relocating back to Illinois he graduated from Thornton high school in Harvey Illinois. He enlisted in the US Navy, where he was honorably discharged, it was at this point that he returned to the grind of inspiring the masses through his music, and unforgettable personality.

While in the studio for a duet project he met and fell in love with another amazing singer, Michelle Turner who he later married, and their greatest collaborations resulted in their three amazing children Courtney, Marc-Anthony, and Ariel.

He had a variety of jobs, including helping around the funeral home, but the one he loved most was driving a truck, which allowed him to do what he loved taking care of his family and pursuing his music.

Labeled as a Lyrical & Musical Genius, Ron- Ron had a vision to reach the world with his voice, using his enchanting yet raw music. His playful, vibrant personality and sense of humor was his trademark through his harmonious, soul stirring sound. It was with this vision, and unique ability to create a masterpiece, from absolutely nothing which birthed and created Pure Game Entertainment.

Ron-Ron spent countless hours, burning the midnight oil and using his GOD given talents and gifts to bless the world with his lyrics and distinctive vibe.

In Ron-Ron’s spare time, you could ALWAYS find him singing, cooking, talking mess, and getting on peoples last nerve, but inspite of, you knew that if he laughed with and at you, you were on his team. He stayed dedicated to the cause of music and found strength through it.

On November 6th, 2024, Ronald Anthony Smith traded his troubles, sorrows, pain and crossed the finish-line of this life and transitioned from earthly labor to divine peace. Ron-Ron was preceded in death by his Grand Parents; Minor & Sarah Smith, Ronald Casey Sr and Catherine Casey, his baby brother Reginald Maurice Biggs, Uncles Phillip Casey, Keith Casey, his aunt and Godmother; Ann Margaret Smith, Eva Green, Erman Neel,  Betty Moore, Uncles Charles Smith, James Smith, Cousins Kelvin Love, Shannon Thigpen, and Sandra Thompson.

Those bidding the finest farewell and cherishing precious memories, his children Courtney, Marc-Anthony, Ariel Smith, Kyla & Kaylee Anderson; Mother; Simone Smith-Biggs (Rick) father Ronald Casey Jr (Krystal) Siblings; Marcus Casey (Marie-Lynn), Michelle Jackson, Garmon Dixon, Christopher Shephard (Katie) Adam J. Casey, Maternal uncles and aunts Georgia Walker, Sharon Smith, LaVette Jones, Minor Smith III, Stephen Smith Sr, Carlos Smith, Kenny & Linda Dixon, Paternal Uncles and Aunts, Derrick Casey (Gwen)  Janet Casey, Gregory Casey, Cheryl Casey, JoeAnn Casey, Mary Casey (Bonus Uncle) Carl Mason and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, loving family and friends.

 Farewell Memorial Service will commence at 11:00am on November 15th 2024 within the Preston Funeral Home Chapel,  3800 South Central Avenue, Phoenix AZ 85040. Ron will Lie-In-State from 10:00am until the time of service.