Russell "Rusty" Mathew Smith

Russell Mathew Smith (aka Rusty) passed away Thursday, November 12, 2020, in the company of loved ones after his long battle with cancer. He was 47 years old and lived in Columbia, SC. Russell was born April 15, 1973 to Bill Smith and Patricia Clancey. He was raised in Battle Creek, MI, graduated from Harper Creek High School, and continued onto Coastal Carolina University where he received a Bachelor’s Degree. He loved sports and had a long career in Parks and Recreation. When he was 18 years old, Russell moved to Myrtle Beach and would find his adult home in the state of South Carolina. He later moved to Rock Hill where he met his loving wife, Shannon Allison. They were married in Columbia on February 7, 2020. Russell was known for his fun-loving attitude and brilliant sense of humor. He enjoyed reading about lost treasure and history. His survived by wife, Shannon Allison Smith; mother, Patricia Clancey; father, Bill Smith; step-father, Steve Clancey; step-mother, Linda Dyer; sister, Cat Smith Rist; niece, Violet Rist; grandmother, Pauline Hart; and loving dog, Rocky. A celebration of Russell’s life will be held at Thompson Funeral Home at Greenlawn, 845 Leesburg Road, Columbia, SC 29209 on Tuesday, November 17, 2020. Visitation at 1:00pm, followed by a 2:00pm service. In place of flowers you can donate to the American Cancer Society in the name of Russell Smith, 5003 Trenholm Road, Columbia SC.