Obituary for Rodney J. Smith
Rodney James Smith went to his heavenly home on August 8, 2020 surrounded by his family. Rod was the beloved husband of Christine Smith, loving father of Ryan, Andrew (Krystal), and Taylor, and devoted grandpa of Kinsley and Ashton. He was the brother of Terry Smith (Diane) and JoAnn O’Green (Brian). Rod was dearly loved by his family, friends, and all who knew him.
Rod was born on July 26, 1947, to Gifford and Doris (Newstrand) Smith in Estherville, Iowa. He grew up in Iowa, where he graduated from Swea City Community High School in 1965. Rod received both his Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts from Iowa State University, where he was a proud member of the Mu Chapter of Theta Xi Fraternity. Rod also subsequently obtained a certification in administration while working in Texas.
On December 22, 1973, Rod married Christine Ann Johnson of Ellsworth, Iowa. The couple resided in Gowrie, Iowa, where Rod was a high school English teacher, coach, and musical director for the Gowrie Community Schools. After moving to Texas, Rod taught for the Cedar Hill Independent School District before becoming an administrator with the DeSoto Independent School District. He spent the remainder of his career in DeSoto, first serving as an assistant principal at Desoto High School, then as principal of Amber Terrace Intermediate School, and finally as the Director of Purchasing for the school district.
Rod enjoyed spending time with family and friends, woodworking, gardening, fishing, and reading. His everlasting love and devotion to his wife, love for his family and friends, and faith in God are an inspiration to all.
Rod was preceded in death by his parents, Gifford and Doris Smith, and his nephew, Jeremy O’Green.
Due to the ongoing pandemic and out of an abundance of care and respect for family and friends, a public visitation will be held where visitors may visit with the family virtually from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 12, 2020. Those who would like to attend the visitation may RSVP below, each 15-minute time slot will have a maximum of 15 family units, with one family unit entering at a time. A private funeral service will be held Thursday, with interment at Sardis Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network or Kids Against Hunger, by clicking on the donation link below.
Rod was born on July 26, 1947, to Gifford and Doris (Newstrand) Smith in Estherville, Iowa. He grew up in Iowa, where he graduated from Swea City Community High School in 1965. Rod received both his Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts from Iowa State University, where he was a proud member of the Mu Chapter of Theta Xi Fraternity. Rod also subsequently obtained a certification in administration while working in Texas.
On December 22, 1973, Rod married Christine Ann Johnson of Ellsworth, Iowa. The couple resided in Gowrie, Iowa, where Rod was a high school English teacher, coach, and musical director for the Gowrie Community Schools. After moving to Texas, Rod taught for the Cedar Hill Independent School District before becoming an administrator with the DeSoto Independent School District. He spent the remainder of his career in DeSoto, first serving as an assistant principal at Desoto High School, then as principal of Amber Terrace Intermediate School, and finally as the Director of Purchasing for the school district.
Rod enjoyed spending time with family and friends, woodworking, gardening, fishing, and reading. His everlasting love and devotion to his wife, love for his family and friends, and faith in God are an inspiration to all.
Rod was preceded in death by his parents, Gifford and Doris Smith, and his nephew, Jeremy O’Green.
Due to the ongoing pandemic and out of an abundance of care and respect for family and friends, a public visitation will be held where visitors may visit with the family virtually from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 12, 2020. Those who would like to attend the visitation may RSVP below, each 15-minute time slot will have a maximum of 15 family units, with one family unit entering at a time. A private funeral service will be held Thursday, with interment at Sardis Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network or Kids Against Hunger, by clicking on the donation link below.