Rodney Quinn Smith

Rodney Quinn Smith was born on August 7 th , 1947, to Benito Harrison Smith and

Virginia Rose (Johnson) Smith in Chicago, Illinois. He was the oldest of three children.

He attended Deneen elementary school where he excelled in his studies and later

attended Tilden Technical High School where he was Salutatorian, Vice President of his

graduating class. He was a member of the Honor Club, Science Club, studied the

German language, and enjoyed playing Chess. He had favorite pastimes of Reading,

Academia, and Drawing with pen and ink. As a part of his Lutheran Heritage and

Upbringing, he attended Salem Lutheran Church in Chicago, Illinois, where he was an

acolyte and participated in Luther League.

Throughout his career, he found purpose and joy in inspiring and motivating others

including youth, young adults, and adults alike. He worked for the Chicago Urban

League as an Employment Specialist within the Employment, Counseling, and Training

Department. He later worked for Litton Precision Gear in the development of aerospace

and marine systems equipment and worked for M&M Mars Candy corporation as a

machinist where he retired.

Rodney was united in holy matrimony to Katherine Anna (Brown) Smith on August 26 th

of 1971. To this union, two children were born, Kyle (David) and Kia (Michelle). Rodney

made it a conscious effort and duty as a father to model the values of having a strong

work ethic and moral fortitude for his children. He also modeled his own core beliefs of

consistency, strength, and growth for Kyle and Kia throughout their upbringing for which

they have both gained from his wisdom and found useful throughout their own careers.

Later in life, he traveled the world with his wife which included a trip to Hawaii for their

50 th Wedding Anniversary.

During his retirement, as a member of Cross and Crown Lutheran Church in Matthews,

NC, he was a member of the Church Council and participated in several youth

programs instilling hope and faith within the church congregation. He loved to cook,

especially Chili, one of his favorite foods, and also made fresh salsa, and potato salad.

He also loved teaching new recipes to his children. He enjoyed a plethora of classic

movies including film noir and could name the actors and actresses in most every film.

Rodney departed this life on December 24 th , 2025, peacefully in his sleep.

He is survived by his loving wife Katherine, who describes him as "the best husband

she could ever have," and his children, Kyle, and Kia, who will cherish him and his

legacy forever. He leaves a sister Sandra, brother, Steven, and a host of friends,

including best friends, Joseph Hunter and Louis Sterling.