Russell Dean Smiley

Russell Dean Smiley, of North Platte, NE, formerly of Florida, died at the age of 52 as the result of a car accident in Tifton, GA, on Sunday, October 19, 2014. Russ was born March 19, 1962, at Highland, IL to Eddie L. and Darla M. Smiley. He grew up in Illinois and later joined the U.S. Army, serving in the 82nd Airborne in Fort Bragg, NC. Following his discharge Russ started his trade as a plumber which he was doing at the time of his death. On June 20, 2008, Russ married Deanna Jo Shirley Klatt at Hudson, FL where they made their home. In December 2013, Russ and Deanna moved to North Platte. Russ loved motorcycles and was a Harley Rider. He is survived by his wife, Deanna Smiley, and his in-laws, Vernon 'Sonny' and Eileen Shirley, all of North Platte; a daughter, Tiffany McCoy, of Melbourne, FL; stepson, Jeremiah Klatt, of Odessa, FL; four grandchildren; his siblings, Eddie, Jr. (Pam) Smiley, of Hudson, FL, Dana (Tommy) Rowland, of Spring Hill, FL and Sherrie (Rusty) Davidson and Shelly Henderson, all of Illinois; his step siblings, Amber Smiley and Darin (Erika) Smiley, all of New Port Richey, FL and Jill (Steve) Mamalou, of Hudson, FL; eight nieces; eight nephews; and other family. Russ was proceeded in death by his father, Eddie, Sr.; his sister, Shelly; and two days after his death, his mother, Darla Demkey, passed away. Cremation was chosen. A graveside memorial service with military honors will be at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 20, 2015, in Fort McPherson National Cemetery with Rev. Dr. Douglas A. Delp of the First United Methodist Church officiating. Condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.