Rod Townley

Rodney Eugene Townley, 83, of Fort Smith, Arkansas, passed peacefully to enter his heavenly home on Sunday the 23rd of August 2026. He entered this life on January 8, 1943, in Fort Smith. He was preceded in death by his brother, Jim Townley (Judie) and his parents, Clem and Jackie (Quick) Townley. He leaves behind his wife, Connie (Williams) Townley of 43 years; two daughters, Christy Nicholson (Lori) and Cassandra Rowan; a son, David Townley (Megan); and 3 grandsons, Parker Longley (Kaira), Cade Rowan, and Morgan Rowan.

Rod grew up in Fort Smith with a love for playing and coaching baseball. In 1949, Fort Smith Boys Club quickly became his second home. He loved to bowl, golf, and play poker. His true love of sports, however, was baseball. He spent his childhood traveling by bus with his father from Fort Smith to St. Louis to watch the Cardinals, his favorite baseball team. He coached baseball for 36 years, managing his first team at the age of 14, and volunteered at the FSBC for 40 years. He received the Lipton Award (Boys Club Sportsmanship) in 1991 and the FSBC Hall of Fame award in 2002.

He graduated from Fort Smith High School and left to pursue a degree in teaching at Arkansas Teachers College. After receiving his degree, he returned to Fort Smith to teach math at Ramsey Junior High, where he taught for 39 years and met Connie. He was awarded the Golden Apple award by the Classroom Teachers Association in 1986.

Rod retired in 2004 where he spent his years fulfilling a dream of traveling the world. From skiing the mountains of Colorado with family, to road tripping to Seattle and Minneapolis to visit his daughters, to going on outdoor excursions with his son, Rod’s life was rich with exploration and adventure. Rod and Connie traveled to numerous European countries where they enriched themselves in the culture and history and created cherished memories. He loved to be exposed to new environments, and even more so share those experiences with his loved ones.

His ultimate passion in life was his family. He was the most fulfilled when they were all together, sharing stories and creating new memories. Although he achieved many things in life, there was no achievement or source of pride as great as his family. 

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, August 27th at Community Bible Church, 9201 Dallas St. Fort Smith, AR  72903. Officiating the service will be Pastor Matt Whitson. All services are under the direction of Brotherton Brothers Funeral Home in Charleston.

The family will visit with friends from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. an hour prior to the service on Thursday.

In lieu of flowers, the family asked donations be made to Fort Smith Boys and Girls Clubs, 4905 North O St., Fort Smith, AR 72904.

To place an online tribute, please visit www.brothertonbrothersfuneralhomes.com.