United States Army SSG Wendell Roderick Smith, Jr of Virginia Beach, Virginia, passed on to his heavenly rest on 3/23/23 in Columbus, Georgia, at the age of 31. He was affectionately known as Roderick, Rod, Smith, and Dawg by his family, friends, and coworkers. He is survived by his wife, Elle Smith, daughter Averi Nixon-Smith, son Reese Smith, and dog-sons Rambo and Thanos. Also left to mourn his passing are his mother, Dr. Tammy McClain-Smith, father, Wendell Roderick Smith, Sr., sister LaRonda Benton, brother Tony Benton; and a host of aunts, uncles, big cousins, little cousins, and close friends.
He was predeceased in death by his grandmothers, Lois Purvis McClain and Margaret F. Smith, and grandfathers, Glen McClain and Winzoler Smith.
Roderick grew up in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and lived a big, wonderful life full of joy and adventure. He was a graduate of Virginia Beach’s Kellam high school and attended various colleges and universities. He earned the rank of Staff Sergeant in the United States Army, where he was well respected for his leadership, big personality, and readiness to take the next step in his career.
He loved to travel the world and engage in adventure sports. He was an avid motorcycle enthusiast, snowboarder, skateboarder, hiker, swimmer, kayaker, certified scuba diver, and gamer. With his big personality, quick wit, and humor, he never met a stranger. Additionally, everyone he crossed knew he was a die-hard Philadelphia Eagles super fan. It was a blessing that he got to see HIS team go to the 2023 Superbowl.
The Smith, McClain, and Purvis families would like to thank all who offered comfort and support during our grief. We would especially like to thank his Virginia Beach VA and Kellam High School friends, the United States Army, Fort Benning B Company, 2nd Battalion, 11th Infantry Regiment, soldiers from his Germany, Hawaii, and Colorado duty stations, and 2-Wheel Ambition.
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Deaconess Blossom Owens says
March 31, 2023 at 12:57 pmThank you for your service Solider! You are saluted, sleep in heavenly peace.
Michelle Wood says
April 2, 2023 at 9:31 amTammy, My deepest condolences in the lost of your son. May he Rest in Peace.
Sharon Lassiter says
April 2, 2023 at 6:08 pmTammy, please accept my deepest condolences to you and your family. Thank you, SSG Smith for your service to this nation. Rest in heavenly peace.
Wendell R Smith Sr says
April 4, 2023 at 2:45 pmSon this is the hardest thing that I have to do. I can’t believe you are gone, you were live in the hearts, forever and forever. I love you I’m going to miss you. I will never be the same without you. I love you Jr. Love your dad Wendell R.Smith Sr
Wanda Purvis says
April 5, 2023 at 12:55 amWords can’t express the pain felt when losing a child..My deepest sympathy for the loss of your son and husband to Elle. He had a soft spirit and lived a good life Hold on to God’s unchanging hands…My heart hurts for you..Great Aunt Wanda
Richard DeJesus says
April 5, 2023 at 5:30 amOne of the greatest people I have ever known. Roderick, you were an amazing friend that I met through Daniel when we were kids. At that moment, I knew we would always be there to support each other. It saddens me to write this, but I want you to know you were loved by so many. My wife and I want to send our condolences and prayers to your family and friends. Your genuiness will live through us. Love you brotha, rest up.
-The DeJesus Family
Saundra Evans says
April 24, 2023 at 1:22 amSo sorry to hear of the passing of your Son. Times like these, it’s hard to know exactly what to say because I can’t imagine the pain. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. My condolences. Saundra Evans, IR4L C/O 88