Captain Robert Lynn "Jody" Smith, Sr., 83

"I will sail my vessel until the river runs dry. Like a bird upon the wind, these waters are my skies. I'll never reach my destination if I never try. So I'll sail my vessel 'til the river runs dry."

Age 83 of Point Pleasant, WV, left this life and entered into eternal glory, Sunday, November 12, 2017, at his home surrounded by those he loved, after a long and courageous fight against cancer. Born July 9, 1934, in Leon, WV, a son of the late James and Mona (Russell) Smith.

In addition to his parents he was proceeded in death by his loving wife Brenda Fern (McCoy) Smith, brother Frank Smith, grandson Timothy Eli Siders II, great-granddaughter Erin Nichole Jeffers, and great-grandson Addison Chelmer Benson.

He was a 1951 graduate of Point Pleasant High School in Point Pleasant, WV, and a proud, dedicated tow boat Captain. Besides his family, the river was the love of his life. He was a tow boater for 52 years, retiring from Kanawha River Towing after being stricken with cancer.

Left behind to cherish his memory is his children Robert "Bobby" (Kay) Smith Jr. of Henderson, WV; Cyndy Siders of Athens, WV; Sandra "Sandy" Smith of Point Pleasant, WV; William "Billy" Smith Sr. of Gallipolis Ferry, WV; Pamela "Pam" (Jimmy) Jones of Point Pleasant, WV; Julie (Bill) Jeffries of Point Pleasant, WV and his Baby Girl, the one who gave him the strength and courage to fight as long and hard as he did, his rock and sole caregiver, Jodi (Joe) Shinn of Point Pleasant, WV. Also surviving are siblings William "Bill" Smith of Columbus, OH; James "Colonel" Smith of Point Pleasant, WV; Cecil Smith of Point Pleasant, WV; Audrey (Charlie) Clendenin of Cincinnati, OH; Sister-In-Law Daisy Smith of Gallipolis, OH; 19 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to Dr. Tayengco, Pleasant Valley Hospice, and Home Health Services, and all their staff for all the loving care they provided during his illness. Also, thanks to special neighbors Jerry Walker and Buck McDaniel.

A funeral service will be held at Deal Funeral Home in Point Pleasant, WV, Thursday, November 16, 2017, at 2 PM, with Pastor Jack McCoy officiating. Burial will follow at Concord Cemetery in Henderson, WV. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 1-2 PM prior to the service. Online condolences can be made at www.dealfh.com.