Walter Rodney "Jig" Smith

Walter Rodney "Jig" Smith, 79, of Piketon, Ohio passed 7:50 p.m., Saturday, October 18, 2025, at his home.
Jig was born July 30, 1946, in Piketon, Ohio, the son of the late V. Emerson Smith and Thelmas Kathleen (Burkitt) Smith. On April 15, 1967, he was united in marriage to Karen (Blankenship) Smith who survives.
He is also survived by two sons, Wayne Smith and wife Michele and Ronnie Smith; grandson, Matt Smith and wife Ari; three great-grandsons, Branson, Waylon and Tate Smith; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Katlyn Elizabeth Smith; and four siblings, Jeanette Leslie, Kelly Smith, Christine Williams, and Irene Smith.
Jig was a Veteran of the United States Army. After being drafted in 1966, he served two years in Vietnam. He was dedicated to his community, serving as a Trustee for Newton Township for 20 years and as a member of the Pike County Democratic Committee for 3 years. He also served on the Pike County Election Board for 21 years. A man of faith, he was the First Elder of Pleasant Valley Community Church for over 35 years. For 29 years, he owned and operated Smith VACRC Home for Veterans.
Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m., Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Pleasant Valley Community Church, Piketon, Ohio with Pastors rusty Remington and Kyle Carter officiating. Burial will follow in Yankee Hill Cemetery, Piketon, Ohio. Graveside Military Honors will be preformed by The American Legion Merritt Post #142, Waverly, Ohio.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at Boyer Funeral Home, Waverly, Ohio.