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Smith, Rodger B.

August 26, 1952 –
 June 13, 2014

Obituary

Rodger Bryant Smith of Ovilla, Texas, Age 61, Born August 26, 1952 in Gardena,California to Roy B. (Smitty) and Alice Corrine (Connie) Smith, passed away quietly in his sleep on June 13, 2014.

Rodger was raised in Lamar, Missouri and Oak Cliff, Texas. He graduated from Oklahoma Military Academy and W. H. Adamson High School in 1970. He attended Texas A & M and was a member of the ROTC. During his childhood, he loved going back to Lamar to spend summers at his grandparents’ farm with the rest of his cousins.

Rodger carried on the family tradition of being in the floor covering business. Starting out as his Dad’s helper at a very young age, he sometimes felt like he was born with kneepads on. He owned Smith Floor Covering Co. for over 38 years and installed flooring and ceramic tile in many schools and commercial buildings throughout Texas. He was well respected in the industry.

Rodger was an avid hunter, but in his later years, he seemed to enjoy shooting wildlife with his camera more so than with a firearm.

Rodger had a big heart and tried to help anyone in need. He enjoyed relaxing after work with a cold Schlitz beer in hand and playing shuffleboard on Friday nights. During football season, he was constantly rooting for his beloved Aggies. He was also a big NASCAR fan and his favorite driver was Tony Stewart.

Rodger was preceded in death by his parents and half-brother, Bill Smith, and his two favorite Black Labs, Kris and Henry.

He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Kathy Smith; Step-Daughter, Kelly Pickar and husband, Ted; Grandson, Colton Wilson; Half-Sister, Ruth Nickel; Half-Brother, David Smith and wife, Kathy; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, and many extended family members.

A private graveside service will be held in Lamar, Missouri on July 8, 2014. A “Celebration of Life” gathering for his Texas family and friends will take place at a later date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org, the USO at uso.org, the Ben Carson Reading Project at carsonscholars.org, or the charity of your choice.

Rodger will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him. Thank you Lord for letting him be a part of our lives as long as you did.

 

Please send the family condolences and sign the guest book on this site.

Arrangements are under the direction of:
Aria Cremation Service & Funeral Home
1820 N. Belt Line Road
Irving, Texas 75061

    Nila & Bruce
    6 Jul 2014
    11:25pm

    Rodger will be missed by all who knew and loved him. We will always remember his smile and laugh. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We love you.

    Reply
    DEWAYNE FULLER
    8 Jul 2014
    7:54am

    You left us too soon old friend. We will truly miss you, especially during hunting season, and will think of you while in the deer blind. So long until we meet again.

    Reply
    Bob J. Shelton
    8 Jul 2014
    8:38am

    Will miss Rodger at the lease!

    Reply
    Jim Neeley
    8 Jul 2014
    10:48am

    Our condolences to the family.
    Roger’s romping fires in that big ole fireplace at the lease will be missed.
    He’ll be missed at the Boxcar too; he was a lot of fun.

    Reply
    John McNiel
    8 Jul 2014
    2:03pm

    I have only known Rodger a few years. He was always a great pleasure to be around at the deer lease. He will be greatly missed.

    Reply
    roger an kim troutman
    9 Jul 2014
    7:59am

    only knew rodger 3 years he was a great man an a freand he will be missed

    Reply
    David Smith
    30 Jul 2014
    9:37pm

    My little brother has passed. We were raised separately as children but grew to know and love each other in later years. I’m so thankful I got to spend time with little Rodger for a week just before his death. We were able to drive to Carmel, CA on his visit. I think he enjoyed that. Rodger was a man of his word and loved his family. RIP little brother. You will be missed.

    Reply
    Jim Foard
    11 Oct 2014
    9:25am

    I worked with Rodger for many years and I am saddened to hear of his untimely passing. He was a good man and will be truly missed. RIP Old Friend.

    Reply

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