Rodney Dean Smith Jr.'s Obituary
Rodney “Rod” Dean Smith, Jr., 44, lifelong resident of St. Petersburg, FL passed away October 9, 2015 at St. Anthony’s Hospital. Rod was born March 11, 1971, also at St. Anthony’s Hospital. After a lengthy illness he is now at rest with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who he trusted to get him through each day. When he was introduced to the beautiful, Cathy Ilko, Rod knew immediately and let Cathy know, too, that he was going to marry her. Ten months later they wed and two months after they married, Cathy was expecting their only child. Rod adored his family and treasured each moment. Rod enjoyed restoring classic cars, guns, fishing and collecting fossils. He had obtained his private pilot’s license and spent many hours in the skies flying friends and family as well as children in the community through the Young Eagles Program. He was a mechanical technician at the Renaissance Vinoy Golf Course.
Rod is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Cathy Smith, their daughter, Aleksandrya Smith, both of St. Petersburg, parents; Rodney and Carol Smith, Linda and Curtis Wright, maternal grandmother, Janice Kolacy, brothers; Erik (Becky) Wright, Justin Smith, stepsister, Lorali (Travis) Weedon, 5 nieces, 4 nephews and many friends made along the way.
Friends and family are invited to come celebrate Rod’s life on Saturday, October 17, 2015 at 2:00 pm at the Grace Brethren Church in Pinellas Park. Rod will be laid to rest during a private ceremony on another date.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Skyway Memorial Funeral Home, Palmetto, FL.
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