Rodney Smyly, Sr.

Mr. James Rodney Smyly, Sr., 76, of Ruffin, entered into rest Sunday morning, July 31, 2022, at his residence while under the care of Heartland Hospice.

Born May 3, 1946, in Ruffin, South Carolina, he was a son of the late Ernest Webb Smyly, Sr. and the late Pearl Lorraine Carter Smyly.  Rodney worked hard all of his life and possessed a strong and enduing work-ethic.  A lifelong iron worker, he worked for various companies as a supervisor and foreman for over thirty-two years.  He will always be remembered as a strong, courageous and dedicated man to his family and friends, always being protective over his family.  He farmed alongside his brother and always enjoyed the outdoors, being an avid hunter and fisherman.  He was “Pappie” to his grandchildren and his beloved wife was his “honey” whom he could not make a move without.  

Surviving are: his wife of fifty-four years, Mrs. Katherine Smoak Smyly; his six children, Renee S. Kirby (Wayne) of Cordova, James R. Smyly, Jr. (Satomi) of Summerville, Deborah J. Smyly of Ruffin, Duncan Smyly (Hope) of Walterboro, Dustin Smyly (Emily) of Islandton, and Macey Collier of Ruffin; his “baby sister”, Regina Shumpert of Leesville; and a beloved host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins as well as his beloved companion, “Skipper”.   He was preceded in death by two brothers, Ernest Webb, Sr. and John Smyly, Sr.

The family wishes to extend the heartfelt appreciation to his nurses with Heartland Hospice, Jim, Patrick, Summer, and Wayne.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorials be directed in his memory to: Heartland Hospice, 7410 Northside Drive, Suite 250, North Charleston, South Carolina 29420-4292; or to the charity of one’s choice.   

Funeral services will be conducted 11 o’clock Wednesday morning, August 3, 2022, from The Brice W. Herndon and Sons Funeral Chapel, Walterboro.   Interment will follow in Smyly Cemetery, Restful Lane, Ruffin. 

Family and friends may call prior to his funeral ceremony Wednesday morning beginning at 10 o’clock at THE BRICE W. HERNDON AND SONS FUNERAL HOMES AND CREMATORY, WALTERBORO CHAPEL, 1193 Bells Hwy, Walterboro, SC, 29488. Visit the guestbook online at: www.briceherndonfuneralhome.com. 

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