Rodney Fletcher Smith

Rodney Fletcher Smith died peacefully at his home in Austin on September 17, 2009 following a courageous three year battle with cancer. Rodney was born on February 4, 1947 in Camp Hood, Texas to Sidney Clyde Smith and Alma Sue Smith. Rod's father was in the military and the family lived all over the United States as well as Germany and Korea while Rod was growing up. After graduating from Austin High in 1965, Rod attended Southwest Texas State before joining the Army in 1967. He served in Special Forces as a Green Beret during the Viet Nam War. While attending the University of Texas after his return, he met his wife-to-be, Andrea (Andi) Moonshine. They married in 1973 and moved to Santa Fe, NM where Rod turned his passion for collecting into a lifelong career of buying and selling antiques and collectibles. They moved back to Austin in 1975 where Rod continued in the antique/collectible business and raised his family. In addition to antiques, Rod enjoyed spending quality time with family and friends, camping, music, art, coaching Challenger Little League and pitching for the Arcing Ropes and other men's softball teams for more than 30 years. He also enjoyed creating a beautiful outdoor landscape at his home by building ponds, constructing artistic trellises and fences, and other outdoor projects. Rodney was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Andi and their children, Erin, Dylan and Shayna Smith. He is also survived by his brothers, Randy Smith and wife Judy, Rick Smith and wife Anne, Bishop Rusty Smith and his partner Scott Reiber; mother-in-law, Merilyn Moonshine; brother-in-law, Don Moonshine and sister-in-law, Leslie Moonshine. He also leaves behind nieces, nephew, aunts, uncles and cousins as well as a large circle of dear friends. He will be greatly missed, but remembered always. The family would like to thank their many friends who have supported them over the past three years and particularly through his final days. They would also like to express their sincere appreciation to Hospice Austin for the compassionate care he received that allowed him to remain in his home. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, October 11, at 4:30 pm at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 2620 South Congress Avenue. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to The Rodney F. Smith Memorial Fund (Wells Fargo Bank), Hospice Austin or to the charity of your choice.