Rodney Smith

Rodney Leon Smith was born April 4, 1970 in Hazlehurst, Georgia. He was the son of the late Hozell Smith, Jr. and Gussie Mae Smith. On June 30, 2021, he was called to join his heavenly father. At an early age, he joined Piney Grove Baptist Church. He moved to Vidalia after marriage and later moved his membership to New Vision under the leadership of Rev. W.C. Haynes. Rodney was a graduate of Jeff Davis High School. After graduating, he received a scholarship to play basketball at South Georgia College. He was employed at Hazlehurst Mills and Core Civics as a correctional officer until his health failed. In his spare time he enjoyed fishing and hunting. He is survived by his wife of 15 years Terri McRae-Smith of Vidalia, Ga., five sons: Stacey Smith of Fitzgerald, Ga., Shannon Smith (devoted friend Meka) of Hazlehurst, Ga., Juan Salas-Smith of Del Rio, Tx., Alfred Andrews, Christopher Andrews, and Sholo Bush all of Vidalia, Ga., five daughters Ataly Salas-Smith of Del Rio, Tx., Kimberly Bush and Einizijiah Brewton both of Atlanta, Ga., Jessica Carter of Hazlehurst, Ga., Stacy Clarke and Taleeva Bush both of Vidalia, Ga., Destini Bush of Reidsville, Ga., Gayle Wooten (a special mother) of Brunswick, Ga., a grandmother Francis Smith of Vidalia, Ga. Siblings; One sister Naomi Smith of Hazlehurst, Ga., three brothers; Jonathan Smith(devoted friend Pam), Donathan Smith(Marquinta) both of Hazlehurst, Ga., Rico McKever of Knoxville, TN., adopted brother Steven Hamilton (Danielle), two Uncles Rufus Carter of Hazlehurst, Ga., Terrell Rountree of Orlando, Fl., five aunts; Mary Lois Kurtz of Atlanta, Ga., Joanne West of Douglas, Ga., Jennifer Rountree-Lovett of Orlando, Fl,. Emma McKever and Eather McKever both of Hazlehurst, Ga., Sister-in-laws; Valerie Dekle (Butler) of Metter, Ga., Carletha Powell (Leon) of Reidsville, Ga., Deborah Dunlap of Charlotte, NC., Sylvia Carswell (Marty) of Reidsville, Ga., Brother in laws; Roosevelt McRae of Reidsville, Ga., and Lankin McRae (Kelly) of Lyons, Ga. A host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.