Roland Smith

In Loving Memory
Roland Smith 76 years old of The Villages, Florida
January 30, 1949 - October 5, 2025
Roland passed away peacefully at Cornerstone Hospice in the Villages, Florida comforted by family after a period of Aphasia and Dementia.
Born and raised in Sainte Genevieve, Roland attended Sainte Genevieve High School, graduating in the class of 1967. During his time as a Dragon, he shined on stage in Bye Bye Birdie and multiple other productions. He was a member of the Glee Club and lettered in football, basketball and track & field. In his hometown, he learned to hunt and fish- the latter of which he continued to enjoy throughout his life.
Post graduation, Roland proudly served our country as a member of The United States Army. During his service in the Vietnam War, he received a Bronze Star along with various other accolades.
After his service, Roland returned to Ste. Gen where he married Becky Coleman and had two daughters, Sonja and Kara. His career then led him across the country to work for May Company- Famous Barr in St. Louis, Meier & Frank in Oregon, and Lord & Taylor in New York City- where he was VP of Data Processing for all retail.
He raised his family in New Jersey, where he also enjoyed neighborhood gatherings, rounds at the golf course, spending time perfecting his apple pie recipe, making his famous bbq ribs, and going back to his Midwestern roots and tending to his backyard vegetable garden.
His career continued in Virginia Beach as Director of IT at NEXCOM, Navy Exchange Service Command. He retired in 2021, making his way to warmer weather in Florida. There he zipped around in his golf cart, spending his days on the course enjoying time with friends.
Throughout his life, Roland never met a stranger- his sense of humor, charisma and kind smile always made everyone around him feel so welcome.
Roland is survived by his daughters, Sonja (Rob) DeGoria and Kara (Bill) Smith; Mother of his children, Becky (Coleman) Smith; Brother Walter Eldon (JoAnn) Smith; Brother, Tom (Sharon) Smith; Grandchildren, Mason and Sienna. He is also survived by three generations of nieces and nephews.
Roland was preceded in death by his Father, Walter Leo Smith; Mother, Muriel (McDaniel) Smith; Brother, Frank Smith; Sisters, Darlene Smith, Enola Moody, Melba Faye Smith and Alicia Fisher.
Visitation will be at Basler Funeral Home in Sainte Genevieve, MO on Saturday, October 25, 2025 from 1:00 pm till 2:00 pm.
Service will be at Basler Funeral Home on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at 2:00 pm.
Burial will be at Crestlawn Cemetery in Sainte Genevieve, MO with full military honors provided by VFW Post 2210.
Memorials can be made to Alzheimer's Association or Cornerstone Hospice Center.
Online condolences can be made online to baslerfuneralhome.com