In Memoriam

Updated 30 November 2023

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Ron Smith - RIP August 7, 1954 - November 11, 2023 Edgar Ronald “Ron” Smith, 69, of Collinsville, MS passed away peacefully in his home on November 11, 2023. Ron was known by many as one of the “Fingerprint Gurus” in the Forensic world. He began his Forensic career at the FBI's Identification Division (now known as CJIS) at the age of 18 in Washington, DC. He and his wife, LaDonna, moved back closer to home and he worked with the State of Alabama Crime Laboratory as a Crime Scene and Fingerprint Examiner. He then transferred to the Mississippi Crime Laboratory until he retired as the Director of the East Mississippi Crime Laboratory in July of 2002. Ron started sharing the love of Forensics with others in the early 1990’s when he started teaching the first ever Palm Print Comparison course. He travelled all around the US and many foreign countries and inspired forensic scientists with his vast amount of forensic and courtroom testimony knowledge. In 2001, Ron was awarded the International Association for Identification's Dondero Award, their highest award.   In 2002, he and his daughter, Heather began a private consulting firm, Ron Smith and Associates, Inc. Through this company, he continued to assist examiners and government agencies in many facets of crime solving. Per his wishes, the Associates of RS&A will continue to carry out his legacy for years to come.     Ron is survived by his Golden Doodle and best friend, Rusty; his children, Heather and Frank McNeill, Smitty Smith (Lindsey Aull), and Matt and Lauren Smith; his brothers, Jerry Smith (Fran) and Charlie Smith (Margie); his sister, Joyce Williamson; his brother-in-law, Kyron (Brenda) Crenshaw; and his sisters-in-law, Linda Crenshaw, Pat Crenshaw, and Dale Smith; grandchildren, Jake and Emma McNeill, Beckham and Ollie Smith, Graham, Anniston, Harper Ann, and Reagan Smith, and Gavin, Peyton, Keegan, and Macy Aull, and numerous nieces and nephews.     Ron was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, LaDonna Crenshaw Smith; parents, Talmadge and Rita Smith; in-laws James and Iva Lee Crenshaw; brothers-in-law, Billy Williamson, Wayne Crenshaw, and Larry Crenshaw; and a sister-in-law Lynn Crenshaw.   In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be made to Antioch Southern Methodist Church or the Greater Meridian chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.   The above includes information online at www.robertbarhamffh.com where you also can see funeral, visitation, and other details.

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