Rayford Noland Smith, age 69, of Ford City, Alabama took his final checkered flag on December 17, 2024. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, December 21, 2024, from 12:00 – 2:00 pm at East Colbert Church of Christ Muscle Shoals, AL. Service will be held at 2:00 pm officiated by Stan Smith, nephew. His family invites all who knew and loved him to join in celebrating the life of this special man who will forever hold a special place in so many hearts.
Noland, known as “Rollin Noland” to his fellow racers and racing family, was a legend in dirt track racing since the start of his career at age 19. He achieved countless wins and championships throughout his career with his biggest accomplishment being his dedication and reputation to the sport that he loved and shared with his daughters and grandchildren. He was a 1974 graduate of Colbert County High School. He worked with special friends at P&G construction and was a heavy machine operator for several years. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and a friend to everyone. His hobbies included dirt track racing, playing cards with special friends, watching NASCAR and Alabama Football, and supporting his girls and grandkids beside his loving wife in all their interests.
Noland was preceded in death by his father, Umphrey Smith; mother, Lorene Smith; and sisters, Jerita Dickens and Juanita Waldrep.
He is survived by his loving wife of fifty years, Jackie Smith; his daughter, Brittany (Cale) Finley; his daughter, Bethany Fisher (Matt); his grandchildren, Braylen Fisher, Brystol Fisher, Sadie Finley, and Caleb Finley; his sisters, Dianne (Jerry) Berryman and Pam (Greg) Smith; his brothers, Melvin (Peggy) Smith, Elton Smith, Carl Smith, Aaron (Kim) Smith, and Milton (Jennifer) Smith; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and racing family who will miss him dearly.
The family offers sincere thanks to Dr. Zaman Shah and the Shoals Primary Care staff for the exceptional care and for continuing the loving care and special friendship of the late Dr. Faizullah Syed.
