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McLean Funeral Directors - Gastonia

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Traci Smith Obituary

Traci Kay Smith, 48, of Gastonia died Monday, September 27, 2010 of complications from a long illness. She was born March 29, 1962 in Cherokee County, GA, a daughter of Peggy Cochran Smith and the late C.W. Smith. Traci was a former high school volleyball player and musician, and had been involved in the restoration and redesign of Ashley High School into Ashley Arms Apartments and 245 West Garrison. Her restaurant, Rodi, a Mediterranean – American grill often hosted local as well as nationally acclaimed musicians. Her passion for animals and the environment were well known. Traci is survived by her mother, Peggy C. Smith of Gastonia; her sisters, Toni Yates of Charlotte; Teri Fridley of Gastonia; her beloved aunt, Brenda Curtis of Cherokee County, GA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relations. A celebration of Traci's life will be held at Rodi, 245 West Garrison Blvd., Gastonia, NC 28052 on Sunday, October 3 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given to local animal rescue organizations or to the Humane Society. Condolence messages may be made online at www.McLeanFuneral.com. McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia is assisting the family of Ms. Smith.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Sep. 27, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Traci Smith

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Linda Roberts

September 24, 2020

She is so missed and Joe and I miss the restaurant ,Rodi's so much. she and her restaurant were so unique. God bless her family. We are always griefing our loss every day even after many years. Linda and Joe Roberts

Tracey Tucker Brenneman

September 26, 2019

Hi, friend. Thinking of you on this, the anniversary of your spirit's birthday. I am still singing, writing and playing music and I think of you all the time. You'd be proud of how far I've come! I love you always.

Tracey

Kay Earley Wilson

January 9, 2017

My heart breaks as I read this for I had no idea. I remember meeting Tracey in Bible class and the warm welcome I got. I loved to hear her sing and play music. Rest in peace and fly high my friend.

Tracey Brenneman

September 29, 2016

I miss you, dear friend. Still singing for us both.

Marisa Christensen

October 27, 2010

Will miss your understated humor and endless compassion. I hope you have found peace.

rhonda crist

October 13, 2010

I'm in shock at the moment. . . having just found out the news of Tracis passing. Words can not even begin to express the important place she holds in the life of my husband and I. She was talented and gifted beyond imagination. When our marriage needed somewhere to revive, Rodi's was our place of destination. Traci always greeted us, if she was still working, and her smile and humor were priceless. I pray that we conveyed to her how very much we loved her and were thankful for her friendship. We wish our deepest sympathies to Tracis family and also to all of the Rodi's family who are experiencing a great loss, God bless you all. Love, Joe and Rhonda

Brenda Gambill

October 2, 2010

We are very saddened by the passing of our dear friend, Traci. We love her spirit and the way she showed her passion for music, animals and art. Blessings to her family and all of her friends during this very difficult time...We know of no one else quite like Traci. Beautiful, honest, passionate and kind only begin our description of her. Much love and peace, always.

Brenda Gambill and Gina Stewart

Rosemary Lucas

October 1, 2010

Just heard about this from Gina Stewart's page on Facebook. Hadn't seen Traci in years but have such a fond, vivid memory of her being so excited about one of her first gigs at the old Cottage restaurant on Providence Rd. and the laughter and good times we shared with her that evening. Much love, prayers and hugs going out to the Smith family.

Rosemary Lucas '[email protected]' 704-562-8222

Tammy Brackett

October 1, 2010

I always enjoyed working with Traci and Rodi. She was a spirited, loving person always happy to help musicians. She often provided a place to play, stay and a wonderful meal to many a traveling soul. She will be missed.- Tammy Brackett (Moonstruck Promotions)

Angie Summitt

October 1, 2010

I am filled with sadness as I hear of the passing of such a great lady. I remember her smile and kind words she always had to offer. Her love for animals and her creative style.
She had a vison and made many of them come to life.Once in awhile someone will pass by in your life and make a difference, Traci was one of those people. She will be missed by many.
May God Bless you during this time of sorrow.

September 30, 2010

We are so sorry for your loss. Joe and I were some of the first to enjoy and appreciate Rodi's and all the work the Smith family did to make us proud as a city with the development of Ashley Arms. Traci was a kind and talented young woman. Her love of music was well known and she help provide our town with so many performances of the musically talented. Our deepest sympathy. Linda and Joe Roberts

Judy Milford Halfon

September 30, 2010

Peggy .... my heart goes out to you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers... My Max thought so much of you and all your family... With love, Judy Milford Halfon

Martha Bassett

September 30, 2010

I'm grateful to Traci for providing such a wonderful place to play music, and for treating artists with love and respect. Just about every time I performed she was there listening. She'll be missed by all of us.

Judy Miles

September 30, 2010

My partner David and I sang at RODI as "Judy and Dave" for many years. Traci was so wonderful to us. There was always a big hug and free dinner.....much love to the family and her wonderful pets whom she loved dearly.

tom aggeles

September 30, 2010

My heart is breaking...Traci, my thoughts of you...and yeah, it's been a while are ones of affection...of hard work...and of such a sweet soul. You have been 'closer to fine' longer than you ever knew, Trac...

L. Cooke

September 29, 2010

Thank you for the memories.

September 29, 2010

You will always be remembered. Definitely a gifted lady

Charles and Tim Gunn

September 29, 2010

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help at this time.

Shirley Adams

September 29, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of grief. God Bless.

September 29, 2010

You are all in our thoughts and prayers. This is such a great loss to you all.

Johnny and Cathy Curry

Geovinna Siebert

September 29, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I have such fond memories of the Smith family. Know that we will continue to pray for all of you in the days and months ahead!
Geovinna, Klaus, and Heather

freddy jones

September 29, 2010

You will always live in our hearts and prayers.

cheryl morgan

September 29, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results

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