Ian Rodney Smith

September 18, 1971 - August 3, 2016

Ian Rodney Smith-El was born September 18, 1971 in Nuremberg Germany to Iarvin R. Smith, Sr. and Helen Cotents Hawkins (step-father Nathaniel Hawikns preceded him in death). Ian also had a dedicated mentor and father figure, Mr. Ronald King, who encouraged his athletic gifts and was Ian’s go to person when he wanted instruction and guidance, whether it was about sports or life in general. He graduated from Vashon High School in 1989 and attended some college at Lindenwood University. Ian could express himself through his writing. He has written a book of poems among other writings on his thoughts. He studied with Moorish Scientist. Ian Smith was loved and known by many. Family was very important to Ian. He loved his children dearly, although he was not in their life as much as he wanted to be. In addition to his biological family, he also had an inner circle of kindred brothers he strongly bonded with and cared deeply for: Juan Barnes, Courtney Randle, Tim Smith, James Charles and Stanley Frison (his brothers from other mothers if you will). And across the river in Illinois Ian also bonded with his other circle of brothers: Tim Smith, Trevon Williams, Jessie Lenard, Mark Crochwell, Eric Mayweather and Ronzell Williams. One of Ian’s most memorable attributes was his athletic prowess. Ian leaves to cherish his memories: his mother ~ Helen Cotents Hawkins; father ~ Iarvin R. Smith, Sr.; siblings ~ Iarvin R. Smith, Jr. and Ira R. Smith, Greg Pruitt of St. Louis, Missouri, Pamela Hawkins-Williams (Dave) of Hoffman Estates, Illinois and Dawn-Hawkins Cox of Fairview Heights, Illinois; children ~ Tyler Smith of St Louis, Missouri, Whitney and Britney Shipp of Kansas City, Missouri, Ian Rodney Smith, Jr. of Memphis, Tennessee and Jetta Smith of Washington State; four grandchildren ~ Taryn Smith and Autumn Smith, Ka’leah Shipp and Kaden Shipp; niece ~ Erington Smith; grandmother ~ Alma Jean Woods; grandfather ~ Edward Hardiman (preceded him in death); aunts and uncles ~ Samuel (Birdia) Hardiman, Sherice Ewing (Carlos), Darlene Cooper, James Hardiman, Joe Hardiman, Terry Hardiman and Selia Keel (preceded him in death); close cousins ~ Rachel Sanders, Samuel Hardiman, Jr., Shelondia Hardiman and Sonya Ladner; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.