Rodney L. Smith

Rodney L. Smith, 81, of Inverness, FL, died on December 24, 2025. He was born on April 11, 1944, to the late Gerald and Mildred Smith. He was born and raised in East Smithfield, PA and attended SRU High School, class of 1962. In November of 1964, he joined the Army. He retired in April of 2004 as Sergeant First Class. He worked as a mechanic for the Army as a civil servant for 20 years until 1996, and as a medical transporter for Towanda Memorial Hospital for several years. He volunteered for Citizens on Patrol in Inverness and did so for several years.

Mr. Smith was an active church member. First in East Smithfield, PA at Federated Church where he served as a Deacon for many years; and more currently as a member of the First Baptist Church of Inverness, FL. In his free time, he enjoyed playing cards with friends and bowling. He was an avid hunter and a woodworker. He liked mowing his lawn, and any lawn close enough to drive to on his tractor.

Survivors include his loving wife of 60 years, Marylin Rusin Smith; his daughter, Karin Smith Kelly and son-in-law, Jeffrey Kelly. Also, several bonus daughters, Dawn Horton, Siv Rist Richardsen (Stig Richardsen), and Mari Julsrud. As well as grandchildren, Erin Kelly and Logan Kelly; nieces, Susan Rusin, Laura Rusin Gray (Greg Gray), Elaine Wich Collum (Phil Collum), and Mikki Raymond Wood (Roger Wood); nephews, Rick Raymond (Carol Raymond), Ron Raymond (Tootsie Raymond), and Scott Wich (Jacquie Wich); and several great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Mildred Elliott Smith, father Gerald (Zeb) Smith, sister, Patricia Smith Raymond, and brother, Gerald (Jerry) Smith.

Services entrusted to the care of Heinz Funeral Home, Inverness, Florida. www.heinzfh.com.