Roderick Deon Smith

Roderick Deon Smith-a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend
whose presence brought strength, laughter, and steady purpose to everyone
blessed to know him. Roderick's life reflected the very best of what it means
to lead with character: he showed up, he stood tall, and he loved deeply.
Born on February 4, 1971, in Dallas, Texas, Roderick was shaped by family,
faith, and community. He carried the values instilled in him by his parents-
Olistene Hopkins (deceased) and Yvette Genell Smith (Dorrough) and lived
with an inner drive that never needed to be announced to be felt.

Roderick pursued excellence through education, earning his Bachelor of
Science in Electrical Engineering from Prairie View A&M University. He
was proud of his accomplishments, but even prouder of the way he could use
his mind, his hands, and his heart to help others. He believed in doing things
the right way-thoroughly, faithfully, and with integrity.

A loving family man at his core, Roderick found joy in the people he loved
most. He cherished his wife, Loshandra Holland-Smith (Ennis, Texas), and
poured into his children with unwavering devotion: Roderick Smith II (Lac
poured into his children with unwavering devotion: Roderick Smith II (Lac
ey) of Dallas, Texas, Raeven Smith of Red Oak, Texas, and Blake Evans (step
ey) of Dallas, Texas, Raeven Smith of Red Oak, Texas, and Blake Evans (step
son) of Ennis, Texas. His love was steady-protective when needed, gentle
when it mattered most, and present in the everyday moments that become
lifelong memories.

Roderick's life also carried the unmistakable spirit of brotherhood. As a
proud Omega man, he embraced the ideals of Manhood, Scholarship, Perse
proud Omega man, he embraced the ideals of Manhood, Scholarship, Perse
verance, and Uplift-not as words, but as a way of living. He understood that
true strength is shown through service, loyalty, and love for community. He
valued friendship as something sacred and lived with the kind of presence
that made others feel seen, supported, and strengthened.

He leaves to cherish his memory a loving circle of family and friends, includ
He leaves to cherish his memory a loving circle of family and friends, includ
ing: Sister Meko Sledge (Carl) of Arlington, Texas; Brother Jermaine Smith
of DeSoto, Texas; Brother Dorwin Dorrough of Red Oak, Texas; Brother
Dereck Green of Sacramento, California; Brother Draoun Johns of Dallas,
Texas; Sister Aikia Franks of Arlington, Texas; Sister Tameka Hopkins of
Dallas, Texas; and a host of cherished aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cous
Dallas, Texas; and a host of cherished aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cous
ins, in-laws, and friends. He is also preceded in death by Sister LaChelle
Cole of DeSoto, Texas.

Though we mourn his passing, we honor his legacy-the legacy of a man
who loved hard, worked honestly, stood for what was right, and left people
better than he found them. Roderick Deon Smith will forever remain a trea
better than he found them. Roderick Deon Smith will forever remain a trea
sured son of Dallas, a proud Panther, a faithful family man, and a brother
whose light will not dim.