Ronnie Hayes Smith

Ronnie Hayes Smith, 30, of Altha, passed away June 12th 2026 in Lake City Florida. Ronnie was born to Ronnie and Shelly Smith of Altha on March 8th 1996 in Panama City Florida.

Lil Ronnie Smith, known to almost everyone simply as “Bubba,” left this world much too soon, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, Bubba’s love for the outdoors started when he was just a little boy, standing on the bow of the boat beside his dad with a fishing pole in his hand. The moment he hooked that first “monster” pound-and-a-half bass, something in him lit up. From then on, the water was his second home. Whether he was in a tiny jon boat or riding down the river in his dads bass boat, he was in his element. Passersby would smile and shake their heads at the sight of a little boy in a diaper, standing sure-footed in a boat, fishing like he’d been doing it his whole life.

There was always a gleam in his eye that hinted at the next joke, the next prank, or the next wild story. That playful spirit never left him; it just grew into a quick wit and a humor that could light up even the heaviest of days. He had a way of walking into a room and, within minutes, drawing people in with his grin, his laugh, and his easygoing charm.

As much as Bubba loved fishing, hunting, and being out on the water, he also carried a deep and unwavering love for his country. In his junior year of high school, he signed his name on the dotted line and committed his life to the service of the nation he held so close to his heart. From that moment on, the American flag was never far from him.

He started his Military career in 2014 while a junior in high school. Before starting his senior year at Altha High School, he completed basic training at Fort Benning in Georgia. After graduating from high school, he completed AIT training at Fort Leonardwood in Missouri. It’s fair to say that his heart may as well have been red, white, and blue. He was the team leader in the 160th Transport Unit based in Crystal River. The military didn’t just give Bubba a uniform; it gave him another family. His brothers and sisters in arms became part of his everyday life, his stories, and his heart. They saw him at his best and his worst, in quiet moments and in hard ones, and they will all tell you the same thing: Bubba was the kind of man you were proud to stand beside. His loyalty ran deep, his courage was steadfast, and his love for his military family was as strong as his love for the family waiting for him back home.

He is survived by his daughter, Aubree Elaine. His parents, Ronnie and Shelly Smith of Altha; his sisters, Haley Smith of Altha and Hannah and Jordy Moon of Bristol. Nephews Carson Girardot, Adair Burke, and Mason Moon and a niece Mallory Moon. As well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and of course his Brothers and Sisters in Arms.

He is proceeded in death by his grandfathers, JB Smith, Floyd Williams and Gary Watterson. His Aunts, Wendy Williams and Selena Burke, and his cousin Jay Parrish.

Services to honor Bubba will be held Friday, June 19, 2026 at 2:00 pm at Travelers Rest Baptist Church in Clarksville with Reverend Allan Austin officiating. A time of visitation will begin at 12pm unitl service time at the church.