By Kaitlin Hoskins, News Editor
Rainbow City’s oldest business is entering a new chapter as Chris Smith and his wife, Marlee, step into leadership of Rainbow Monument Company following the passing of longtime owner Benny Hood.
For Chris, the transition has come with an unexpected challenge: stepping away from the hands-on work he loves most.
“Being stuck behind a desk is about the worst thing you could do to him,” Marlee said. “He’d much rather be out talking to people, working with stone, and seeing the finished monuments than answering phones all day.”
For Marlee, the adjustment has been just as significant. Although she has been around the business since she and Chris began dating in 2008, she recently went from being a stay-at-home mother to helping run the company full time.
“I truly had no idea what all went into it,” she said. “I went from being a stay-at-home mom to running a business overnight, and that’s been a big adjustment.”
Even with the leadership change, much about the business remains the same. Benny Hood, known for his strong opinions and deep commitment to quality, ensured Chris was well prepared during the 16 years they worked side by side. While the company continues to evolve, particularly with new technologies, its foundation remains rooted in tradition.
Recent innovations include engraving an AI-generated image onto a monument, something the family says reflects their willingness to adapt while honoring the craft’s history.
“Folks are always coming in with ideas or suggestions, and we listen,” Marlee said. “We recently engraved an AI generated photo onto a monument and we are very excited to see where else we can go with that.”
The company’s history stretches back more than 60 years, growing alongside Rainbow City itself. Chris’s grandfather, Denmon Hood, was one of the city’s founders and a familiar figure residents relied on for everything from paying water bills to locating water lines.
“He was the person you called when you needed to pay your water bill, find a waterline, borrow a backhoe, or just had a question about gosh near anything,” Marlee said. “We are honored to continue one of the many businesses he started. Rainbow City has always shown up for us. And not just as customers, but as neighbors, too. That support has meant a lot, especially through the hard times.”
Continuing that legacy is both an honor and a responsibility the family takes seriously.
“This business has been part of Rainbow City for over 60 years, and we’ve watched the town grow right along with it,” Marlee said. “Being able to keep that going is something we’re really proud of.”
The business is a truly locally owned gem for the area.
“When you call us, you’re not getting a machine or a call center. You’re getting a member of our family,” they said. “Picking out a monument for someone you love is already hard enough. We try to make that process as kind and personal as possible.”
Beyond monuments, the family remains active in supporting community causes, continuing Benny’s longtime support of Shriners Hospitals for Children and contributing to local nonprofits such as the Gadsden Service Guild.
Looking ahead, they hope to eventually open at least one satellite office and continue reshaping how people view monument work by making conversations about planning and remembrance feel less intimidating. They also remain committed to keeping Rainbow City at the heart of the business.
When asked to sum up the company’s commitment to the area, Marlee said it was a “legacy preserved, a community served, and a future built with the same care it’s always deserved.”
