Ralph Smith

Ralph Smith was born on June 4, 1957 to Doris Murray and Ralph Smith Sr., both from North Carolina. Before his teenage years, Ralph moved to New Jersey with his mother and siblings, there she met and married Alexander Murray (stepfather). Ralph went to middle and high school in East Orange, NJ, and later moved to Newark, NJ where he was raised. As an adult he worked many years for various positions including, but not limited to the Marriott Hotel, HVAC services, and Printing services.

He later moved to Edison, NJ where he resided for twenty-plus years with his extended family, it was there that lived his last days. Ralph transitioned on March 30, 2020 at JFK Medical Center in Edison, NJ.

Everyone who knew Ralph loved him. He was always making someone laugh hysterically. Anytime you needed his help, he would be there for you. If you became his friend, he was you friend for life. He was truly an amazing person. Ralph had an exceptional love of music, with some favorites including “Earth, Wind, and Fire” and The New Birth.” At a young age, Ralph taught himself how to play the Bass Guitar.

He went on to play in two different Gospel bands. He was extremely talented in many areas, from being able to fix nearly anything (especially technical devices), to cooking, and onto DJing for events. He gave freely to his family and friends; committing himself to bettering the lives of others and taking care of those who could not always take care of themselves. He was an avid dog lover as well.

Before his untimely transition, he loved to travel, and his dream was to buy multiple properties and settle in sunny Florida. Ralph was a God-fearing man who sought to consistently better himself.

Ralph was preceded in death by his mother, Doris Murray and biological father, Ralph Smith, Sr, one sister, Daisy, one step - sister, Rosalie, and beloved aunts and uncles.

Ralph is survived by his step-father, Alexander; two sisters, Rose (Jimmie) and Linda (Elliott), one brother (Makael), and one step-brother (Curtis), three step-sisters, Mary-Theresa, Rosalyn, and Antoinette, three children, Shardé, Dashawn, and Niyah; two grandchildren, six aunts, an uncle, and a host of nieces, great-nieces, nephews, great-nephews, cousins, and friends, including his extended family, Meryl, Allen, and Heather. Ralph is already and will continue to be greatly missed.