Rock R. Smith

A native of Myrtle Beach, Rock attended Myrtle Beach schools and Fork Union Military Academy. He obtained a business associate degree from Coastal Carolina/University of South Carolina before serving in the US Air Force Reserves. Rock was involved in the equine industry most of his life. In 1970 he became the General Manager of Greenfield Plantation in Georgetown, SC working for Walker P. Inman, Doris Duke, and The Duke Foundation. Greenfield became the largest equine operation on the east coast in a short period of time, developing and showing American Quarter Horses nationwide in performance, halter, and racing. Many AQHA Champions were developed under his leadership and team. Rock owned and produced, “Whatuthink”, one of the few AAA AQHA Champions in shows and races. Whatuthink was his all-time favorite horse he owned. Many of Rock’s current horses have linage back to these great horses he began with in the 1970’s. Rock had the opportunity to be the Show and Equine director of Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede’s for 29 years. Rock’s unique talents made him a perfect match for buying quality horses, developing skilled riders, and choreographing the show. His favorite times were spent on his farm where he shared his love, passion, and knowledge with others. Rock was a huge advocate of sharing his passion to inspire future generations to preserve the horse industry, particularly the horse industry in South Carolina. God gave Rock many talents and one was his ability to mentor numerous young people. His “tough love” often maintained many young adults during difficult times and brought their pathways to brighter days. It was recently said by one of his kids “The love that Rock showed me was a father’s love. He had the heart of a Father. I embraced that and never lost sight of how the Lord gave me Rock as a father figure when I needed it most.” Rock’s love of his friends, family and others showed through his smile and his wit. Rock never failed to put a smile on someone’s face and was quick to play a joke on someone as well. Not only did his family love and adore him, the whole world seemed to love and feel special in his presence. Rock leaves behind his loving wife of 53 years, Donna Graham Smith, his devoted daughter, Pebbles Smith Stewart (Jack) and the apple of his eye, his Granddaughter, Summer Trent Stewart, sister, MaryTrent Smith, niece, Marcy Shaffer(Bob), and their son, Tyler, and very special nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be held at The First United Methodist Church in Myrle Beach at 11AM on Monday, November 20, 2023 with interment to follow at Ocean Woods Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Sunday, November 19, 2023 from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Myrtle beach.

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