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Clovis Today
By the People, for the People
Rodney Lee Smith, 66, Passes Away
Memorial services to be held for longtime Portales resident and community volunteer
Apr. 11, 2026 at 5:25pm
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The close-knit Portales community mourns the loss of a longtime resident and volunteer who dedicated himself to helping others despite personal challenges.Clovis TodayRodney Lee Smith, a 66-year-old resident of Portales, New Mexico, passed away on April 8, 2026. Smith was known for his community service, installing phones and running errands for those in need, despite being unable to work due to an injury sustained at age 19. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Bonnie, their two children, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Why it matters
Smith's story highlights the resilience and community-mindedness of those facing physical challenges, as he continued to volunteer and support others despite his own limitations. His passing is a loss felt by the close-knit Portales community that he was a part of for over 30 years.
The details
Rodney Lee Smith was born on June 30, 1959 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. After graduating high school, he worked at Galles Motors installing stereos and preparing cars for delivery. However, he was injured at the age of 19 and had been unable to work since age 25. In 1992, Smith and his wife Bonnie moved from Albuquerque to Portales, where he was a member of the Central Christian Church. Despite his disability, Smith volunteered to install phones and run errands for those in need in the community.
- Rodney Lee Smith was born on June 30, 1959.
- He was injured at the age of 19.
- Smith and his wife Bonnie moved from Albuquerque to Portales in 1992.
- Rodney Lee Smith passed away on April 8, 2026.
- Memorial services will be held on May 11, 2026.
The players
Rodney Lee Smith
A 66-year-old resident of Portales, New Mexico who passed away on April 8, 2026. Despite being disabled due to an injury sustained at age 19, he was known for volunteering in his community by installing phones and running errands for those in need.
Bonnie Funk Smith
Rodney Lee Smith's wife of 44 years, who survived him.
Christopher Funk Smith
Rodney and Bonnie's son.
Nicole Sanchez
Rodney and Bonnie's daughter.
Pastor Don Thomas
The pastor who will officiate Rodney Lee Smith's memorial services.
What’s next
Memorial services for Rodney Lee Smith will be held on May 11, 2026 at the Central Christian Church in Portales.
The takeaway
Rodney Lee Smith's story is a testament to the power of community service and giving back, even in the face of personal challenges. His selfless acts of volunteering and helping others despite his own disability made a lasting impact on the Portales community he was a part of for over three decades.
