Rodney Clyde Smith, PhD, 82, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 8, 2023, after a brief illness.

Rodney, the son of Lena Rivers Foxworth Smith and James Kirby Smith, was born August 5, 1940, in Lynchburg, VA. He attended public schools in Bagdad and Milton in Santa Rosa County Florida. After graduating from Milton High School, he also graduated from Pensacola Junior College with an Associate of Arts degree. He then attended Florida State University, graduating with both a Bachelor and Master of Science in psychology.

After college, Rodney taught psychology at Escambia High School and English at Woodham High School in Pensacola, FL. In 1967, he began his teaching career at Pensacola Junior College. His love of knowledge led him to pursue another degree and, in 1972, he earned a PhD in psychology from The University of Southern Mississippi. His thirty-five-year career at P.J.C. included a full professorship, head of the Behavioral Science Department, and dean of the School of Humanities.

Rodney was a deacon at East Hill Baptist Church and later became a member of Heights Baptist Church. He was also an avid fan of Florida State football and for many decades had season tickets for his family to attend all home games. Throughout his life, he was very involved with researching the stock market, carpentry, and communicating with his many HAM radio friends.

He is preceded in death by his brother, Dormand Smith, and his parents.

Rodney is survived by his beloved wife of fifty-nine years, Lily Marsena Hawk Smith; his cherished son, Rodney Michael Hawk Smith; sister-in-law, Martha Jean Jordan Hazen; nephew, Jordan Norman Hazen; as well as nieces, Allison Jean Hazen and Angela Rene Greer.

A graveside service will be held 11:00 am Friday, April 14, 2023, at St. John's Cemetery in Pensacola, FL, with Rev. Jim Duck officiating.

Rodney's family would like to extend their personal thanks and appreciation for the loving care provided by the nurses and staff of Covenant Care located in Sacred Heart Hospital.