Rodney Newton Smith Obituary
Rodney Smith, 90 of Jonesboro, Arkansas passed away at Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House on May 1, 2022. He was born on March 15, 1932 in Hot Springs, Arkansas to Chester and Iris Smith. Rodney moved with his parents to Jonesboro around the age of 9. He Graduated from Jonesboro High School and attended ASU. Rodney was a successful salesman for many years before starting his own business.
Rodney's fascination with airplanes started as a child building models. The sound of a model airplane motor led to his lifetime friendship with Wallace Barber. He went on to get his pilot's license and owned and flew airplanes (including home builts) for many years. Along with Wallace he also made a host of other friends through aviation and EAA. He was a lifetime hunter and spent a lot of years as a member of a hunting club with Wallace and many other friends and family members.
Throughout his and Maxine's married life there were many family trips, camping trips with both family and friends. For many years they enjoyed their trips to Branson and since Rodney never met a stranger, they had friends at Branson that became like family. He loved his wife, his family and his Jesus. It was a life well spent and he will be greatly missed.
Rodney is survived by four children: Gary Smith (Jodie) of Garfield, Arkansas, Karen Moss (Larry) of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Rhonda McKay (Glen) of Batesville, Arkansas, and RJ Smith (Amie) of Jonesboro, Arkansas; two sisters: Becky Arthur of Bradenton, Florida, Catherine (Tony) Walker of Dothan, Alabama; grandchildren: Chasity Moss, TJ Moss (Rebecca), Kendall Georges (Patrick), Drew Moss (Lindsey), Jaci Moss, Stephanie Hines (David), Shauna McKay, Sara Pickens (Clint), Cooper Sutton (Rachel), Kaileigh Sutton, and Piper Smith; great grandchildren: Ian, Jagger, Stella, Evie, Aila, Logan, Iris, Lauren, Ella, Emery, Emily, Railey, Addysin, Jasper, Ian, Grady, Kayde, Birklee, Levi, Aspyn, and Ace; and a host of other family and friends.
He was preceded in death by; parents: Chester and Iris Smith; one daughter: Tamela Smith.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 5, 2022 at Calvary Baptist Church, 2731 Paula Drive, Jonesboro, Arkansas with Glen McKay officiating. Visitation will begin at 2, with the service directly after at 3.
In Lieu of flowers please consider donations to: Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House or any organization of your choosing.
