Rodney "Rod" Maurice Smart, 66, passed away on Thursday, August 28, 2025. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, September 13, 2025, at St. John American Lutheran Church (1912 West 13th St., Sioux Falls, SD) with lunch and fellowship to follow. In Rod's honor, please wear casual or biker attire.

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The world got a little quieter and a lot less funny with the passing of Rodney (Rod) Smart Jr., who left us far too soon with only the memories of his generous heart, intense love, laughter, and various inappropriate jokes.

Rodney was born on July 18, 1959, at Sioux Valley Hospital to Rodney and Darleen Smart. He was the oldest of four children. He grew up alongside Randy, Richard, and Robin. The family moved frequently around the Midwest, but Rod never met a stranger. He had a natural ability to create lasting friendships wherever he landed, a true social butterfly.

Rod had many occupations, including running a successful painting business, volunteering after a devastating hurricane, insurance sales, woodworking, and owning a small business. Although he worked many jobs, the most important one to him was being a caregiver to his brother, Rich, who was severely disabled from a grain elevator explosion. Rod and his family cared for Rich at home for 26 years until his passing in 2019.

A self-proclaimed ladies' man (and three-time husband for those keeping score). He married his high-school sweetheart, Jody Cayler, in 1979 in a whirlwind romance lasting three years. Shortly after they got married, they moved to Texas. After they divorced, Rod stayed in Texas and later met Tammie (Brannon) Smart. They were married in 1983 and enjoyed over 15 years together, settling in Sioux Falls, SD around 1990. In 2003, Rodney married Barbara (Olson) Smart in Sioux Falls, SD, and remained married for 10 years. Rod prided himself on the ability to remain friends and often joked about his various ex-wives.

Rod loved unconditionally with intensity and humor. His heart was fully won in 1988 with the birth of his daughter, Jessica, whom he shared with Tammie Smart. Jessica would go on to marry Daniel Walter, making Rodney not just a father, but a father-in-law. This was a title he wore proudly, with just the right amount of teasing. But nothing compared to the joy he found in his four grandchildren: Kayden, Adreanna, Ellie, and Dawson. They were his pride, his joy, and his favorite audience, though some of his jokes were better saved for after bedtime.

Rod had a passion for the open road and could often be found riding his Harley alongside his biker buddies. As a proud patriot, he took part in many groups throughout his life that honored his country, including Prairie Patriots and Oath Keepers. Rod loved being surrounded by others, sharing stories, and telling his famously bad jokes that never failed to bring a smile. He had a heart as big as his personality and was always willing to help anyone in need. He was the most giving person, helping friends, neighbors, and even complete strangers - often to his own detriment, but always with an open heart. One of his favorite sayings was "If I don't help them, who will?"

Throughout all of his trials and tribulations in life, he remained steadfast in his faith. As evidenced in his last text to his daughter, which read "I'm a very lucky man, I have my Lord and Savior along with my daughter." He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and outrageous one-liners. He showed us how to live generously, love deeply, and never take life too seriously. Rod taught us how to show up for people, how to laugh through the hard times, and how to live with a full heart and a well-timed punchline. He will be deeply missed by his family, his countless friends, and everyone lucky enough to have heard one of his stories. Rest easy, Rodney, we are jealous of the Angels.

Rodney is survived by his only child, Jessica (Daniel) Walter; four grandchildren, Kayden, Adreanna, Ellie, and Dawson; brother, Randy (Dawn) Smart, Rapid City, SD; sister, Robin Smart, Madison, SD; nieces and nephews, Kassie (Walter) McDuff, Rapid City, SD, Lee (Abby) Smart, Rapid City, SD, Whitney (Tyler) Murphy, Garretson, SD, Rachael Tams, Sioux Falls, SD and Ben Okrina, Sioux Falls, SD; as well as many great nieces and nephews that he loved very much.

Rodney was preceded in death by his father, Rodney Smart Sr.; mother, Darleen (Cook) Smart; and brother, Richard Smart.