Rollie Dale "Doodle" Smith, 102, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away peacefully with his daughter by his side, on Thursday, January 12, 2023 at the Pioneer Skilled Nursing Center in Marceline, Missouri.

Born September 16, 1920 in Kirksville, Missouri, Rollie was the son of John Rollie and Florance Mable (Taylor) Smith. On September 2, 1945 in Kirksville, Missouri, Rollie was united in marriage to Norine Wright who preceded her in death in 2006. In addition to his parents, Rollie was preceded in death by one son, John M. Smith; two brothers, Floyd and Mike Smith; one sister, Nora (Smith) Roberts; and one great-grandchild.

Rollie is survived by his daughter, Susie Smith-Patten of Marceline, MO; daughter-in-law, Zelda (Steele) Smith of Milard, MO; two grandchildren, Michael Smith of Kirksville, MO, and Bill Smith of Valley Falls, KS, as well as four great-grandchildren, Rachel (Lance) Pelc, Cassidy (Marcus) Snow, Tyler Smith, and Michele Smith, as well as many nieces, nephews great nieces and nephews.

He was a 70 year member of the First United Methodist Church in Kirksville. He was also a 67 year member of the Kirksville Masonic Temple #105.

After his school years, he delivered groceries and drove a taxicab in Kirksville. On February 2, 1942, Rollie Smith enlisted in the United States Navy. Basic training was in Great Lakes, MI. He was then assigned to the USS Butler destroyer in Philadelphia, PA. The USS Butler was assigned a position supporting the first wave of the Normandy invasion at Utah Beach in France. The USS Butler moved to the Mediterranean theatre. The USS Butler was part of a fleet with the USS Missouri when the Japanese surrendered. On return to the states, Rollie Smith, immediately married his sweetheart Norine Wright, on September 2, 1945. Rollie established Smith Bros Soil Service about 1950. After 35 years of service to Adair and surrounding areas, Rollie Smith retired in 1985 at the age of 65. Following retirement Rollie and his wife spent 30+ years wintering in Yuma, AZ. He learned to golf, shuffleboard, pool and card games.

Rollie celebrated his 100th birthday on September 16, 2020, surrounded by friends and family. He was presented with a flag flown over the US Capital, which will be used at his military services.

Rollie spent his life as a Christian. He believed in the Bible and practiced what he was taught in the church. He lived 102 years of a productive and full life. He worked tirelessly to the benefit of friends and family.

A Celebration of life will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 10, 2023 at Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville. Inurnment with military honors will follow at Refuge Cemetery northeast of Kirksville.

Family will receive friends on Saturday for one hour prior to the celebration in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home.

Memorial donations in memory of Rollie may be made to Refuge Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.