Roger A. Smith

Roger Smith, our beloved husband, father, and Babbo, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 1, 2025.

 He was born June 14, 1960, to Leslie and Edna Smith in Bandung, Indonesia. He spent the first 18 years of his life in Indonesia and was forever marked by the impact of his experiences and the relationships he formed during those years. He moved to TN and graduated from Union University in 1982. He then went to Columbia International University and graduated in 1988 with a degree in cross-cultural communications. While there, he fell in love with his wife, Donne, during a class trip around the world where he, without a word, picked up her bags and carried them all across the world. This is a pattern he continued their whole life - leading his family and holding their luggage through all the ups and downs of life. 

 Roger was very athletic and competitive. (And he had the broken collarbones to show for it!) And as he grew older, he turned much of that focus and drive toward researching and thinking deeply about theology, politics, and the church. He has always loved the local church. Whether it was working with a church planting team in Italy or serving with the Pastoral Leadership Team at Northbrook, Roger was committed to investing himself in the work of God through local churches.

 He was a pillar for so many. Filled with conviction and relentless determination, he lived his days with faithfulness and persistence. Every day he spent time in God’s Word and prayed over his family and his church. Roger was the same person no matter where he was, always trying to prevent and solve problems, always pointing people back toward foundational truths, and always coaching and pushing people toward growth. He loved his wife, children, and grandchildren fiercely and showed that love most profoundly in the ways he took care of their practical needs. 

 Roger is preceded in death by his mother and father, Leslie and Edna Smith. 

He is survived by his wife, Donne, their four children and spouses (Hannah Craddock, Stephanie and Andrew Powell, Lidia and Hunter Buffington, and Michael Smith), seven magical grandchildren (Jude, Eleanor, Lucy, Caden, Karis, Caleb, and John Doss), his brothers and their families, (David and Lisa Smith, Kelvin and Jetta Smith), and the most wonderful mother-in-law he could have hoped for, Jean Grant. 

Visitation will be held at Northbrook Church on Saturday, March 8, at 10am. Celebration of Life service will follow at 12pm. 

In honor of Roger’s eternal resurrection, the family asks that you wear Easter colors to the services. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the mission’s fund at Northbrook Church. https://northbrook-church-three-way-tn.churchcenter.com/giving/to/roger-smith-memorial-fund

 The family would love to hear your stories about Roger. To share pictures, memories, and condolences, please click here.    https://docs.google.com/document/d/1J5Gz7xLGRZV26fjpdpIjv_j9OZLQqbhQR8i6fbFD9CE/edit?usp=sharing