Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1955
DIED
2024
RODNEY SMART Obituary
1955 - 2024
Rodney Smart was born to Robert (Bob) and Ruby Smart in Brawley in 1955 and lived most of his life in Brawley until his passing on January 8, 2024. He joins many cherished family and friends that predeceased him, including his lifelong best friend, his brother, Michael Johns Smart, and his parents. Rod is survived by his devoted wife, Holly, and children, Juliana (Eric) Claeys and Winston Smart; brother, Steven (Deb) Smart; sister, Leslie Rutherford; sister-in-law, Pat Smart; and many beloved nieces, nephews, siblings-in-law, and cousins.
Rod was a fiercely dedicated member of the community: a Rotary member, previous Mayor of Brawley, Chamber of Commerce Member, City Council Member, PMH Foundation Board Member, and M.C. for countless charitable events. For the last several years, Rod was fortunate and proud to have a position that allowed him to combine his love of giving back to the community with his skills as a lifelong fundraiser as the Executive Director of the IVC Foundation. Rod was a talented golfer, winning the Lettuce Tournament twice and being able to boast that he was one of the few to beat Gene Oswalt, but his best skill was that of an incredible storyteller. Rod was a lifelong Dodger fan and even helped his godfather throw the first pitch for Brawley Day in 1964. Rod was a brother in Sigma Phi Epsilon for 50 years and was awarded the prestigious Order of the Golden Heart in 2013 his SigEp brothers, including his son, remained some of his closest friends until his death.
Rod brightened every room he entered, waved at every car he passed, and was called a friend by an immeasurable amount of people. He will be missed greatly by his family, his friends, and his dog, Scout. A Celebration of Life will be held on January 22, 2024 at 2 pm at Del Rio Country Club in Brawley, where he had some of his most cherished memories. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation can be made to the IVC Foundation.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for RODNEY SMART
Janet Smith
January 21, 2025
Rodney Smart was a Brawley City Council Member when I served as City Clerk! A good friend and very blessed to know and work with him! Blessings to you, Holly and family!
Janet Smith
Janet Smith
January 21, 2025
Rodney
Jesse Rivera
March 30, 2024
I am saddened to hear about his passing on this day. He was my boss in the 80´s. One of the best bosses I ever had. I was his Business machine Technicians before I moved north to Silicon Valley and landed jobs in aerospace. Loved working for him and his family. His memories will live forever.
Thank you Smart Family.
Best prayers and Regards, Doctor Jesse Rivera
Rest in peace.
Fr. Ray Ackerman
March 28, 2024
I knew Rod through a shared Sigma Phi Epsilon National fraternity experience. He was both a great brother and friend. He will be greatly missed!
Albert Bazan, BUHS Class of 1973
January 28, 2024
I am deeply saddened to hear about Rod´s passing. He was a pillar of the community and his contributions will not be forgotten. I was happy to have seen him at our 50th class reunion in Oct. My heartfelt condolences to his family.
Marty Feffer
January 25, 2024
I extend my sincere condolences to Rod's family and close circle of friends and associates. I knew Rod in high school and it's warming to read of his accomplishments throughout his life and dedication of service to the community of Brawley. But most admirable is how he lived that rare quality of knowing how to be a good friend and true lover of people. I'm sure he will rest in our memory.
Susie Carrillo
January 22, 2024
Sorry to hear of Rod's passing. He was our xerox copier salesman/service guy back in the 80's at USDA. I happen to see him at our golf tournament in September at Del Rio and we talked about the good ol days. My condolences to the family.
Sally Traylor
January 19, 2024
Even though I didn´t know Rob personally, what I did know was that he always had a presence about him where you knew that he loved his hometown of Brawley, his beloved community. I always admired his servitude heart! R.I.P. Rob
Ricky Johnson
January 17, 2024
My sincerest condolences to the Smart family. He will be truly missed.
John K. Tyler
January 17, 2024
Rod was a cherished Sig Ep Brother and a mentor to many. He will be missed. HFF, John K. Tyler
Mark Myers
January 16, 2024
Never at a loss for words. Whenever you ran into Rod he always had a story, a joke or a remembrance to share with you. When our class had any type of get together, Rod was always the emcee. It was just a given, he was born to be a master of ceremonies. The class of '73 will miss you.
JOHN SOUKUP
January 16, 2024
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Bobby hodges classmate of class of 1973 brawley Union high School
January 16, 2024
Rod was a good man I was glad to have him as a friend for over sixty years when we went to witter school rip rod
Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results
Make a Donation
in RODNEY SMART's name
Memorial Events
for RODNEY SMART
How to support RODNEY's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor RODNEY SMART's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
