Gary Rod "GRod" Smith

     Gary Rod “GRod” Smith, age 67, of Harrisburg passed away at 11:45 PM on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at Ferrell Hospital surrounded by his family.

     Gary was born on December 23, 1957 in Eldorado, Illinois to James Rex “Rod” and Margaret Ann (Owen) Smith.  On September 22, 1984 he married Jean Ann Berlin and she survives in Harrisburg.  Gary graduated from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale with a degree in Radio Communications.  He was a Mail Carrier on the Dorrisville Route, a DJ for WEBQ Radio and also worked as a Clerk at Sports Circle.  Gary loved sports and Sports announcing.  He was an IHSA referee and umpire for many local area sporting events.  Gary was a HUGE New York Mets Fan which kept him at odds with the other baseball fans in his family.  He was a loving husband, father and pawpaw.

     Gary is survived by his wife of 41 years, Jean Ann Smith of Harrisburg; son, Kyle Smith and wife Heather of Harrisburg; three grandchildren, Kaylee, Gracelynn and Connor Smith of Harrisburg; sister, Beth Billo and husband Bruce of St. Louis, Missouri; brother, Steve Smith of Harrisburg; brother, Kevin Smith and wife Angela of Grantsburg, Illinois; and nieces and nephews, Christopher Billo, Lauren Webb, Peyton Smith and Cole Smith.

     Gary was preceded in death by his parents James Rex “Rod” Smith and Margaret Ann Smith.  

     Funeral services for Gary Rod “GRod” Smith will be held at 1 PM on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at Stricklin Funeral Home.  Rev. Mark Smith and Don Smith will officiate and burial will follow in Sunset Garden Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 11 AM to 1 PM, on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at Stricklin Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Harrisburg Athletics Department and will be received at the funeral home.   

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gary Rod "GRod" Smith, please visit our floral store.