Born on November 30, 1956, Bob was the second son of Oscar Smith Jr. and Carolyn Frances Smith. He was a lifelong resident of Palmetto and alumnus of Palmetto High School.
Bob retired in 2015 after more than two decades of dedicated service with Manatee County Mosquito Control. Before joining Mosquito Control, he worked as a radiator mechanic at the family business, Smith’s Radiator Shop, formerly located in downtown Bradenton.
In his free time, Bob was a lifelong hobbyist who enthusiastically pursued a wide range of passions and projects. From slot car racing and fishing to tinkering with bicycles and motorized scooters, and even growing and pickling his own hot peppers, he found joy in any hobby that kept his hands busy. For more than 40 years, Bob’s favorite hobby was building and flying remote-control model airplanes and helicopters, a pastime he enjoyed alongside fellow members of Valkyries of Manatee.
Bob is survived by his brother, Oscar Smith III and sister-in-law, Laureen; his sister, Nancy Smith; his niece, Jessica Smith, and many cherished friends. He will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him.
