Robert Austin Smith

Rob was born in Bethesda, Maryland on October 13, 1971. He grew up in Fredericksburg, Virginia and graduated from Spotsylvania County High School in 1990. “Spotsy” was very proud of his roots and it was there that he first learned his love of hunting and fishing with his brother Renick. Rob graduated from The University of Virginia in 1994, where he was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity and earned an MBA from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University in 2002.

Rob moved to Nashville in 1994 and met the love of his life and future wife Ashley Brown shortly thereafter, with whom he had two amazing and beautiful children, Eleanor and Addison. He began his finance career at Equitable Securities before moving on to Petra Capital Partners, where he was a founding partner. At Petra, Rob served on numerous corporate boards and was a very respected leader in the private equity community. It was on the many civic and non-profit boards, however, that Rob had an even greater impact. His early work as Finance Chair on the Board at Harding Academy lead the school through a difficult period that ultimately resulted in a successful capital campaign and new middle school along with record enrollment. His dedication to St. George’s Episcopal Church was equally impactful, serving as a member of the Vestry Executive Committee and Chair of St. George’s Enterprise Ministry.

Rob was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed all things hunting and fishing, particularly when he was able to share the water or the field with his family and his friends. He also loved to play golf with his group of golf friends; matches filled with laughter and fellowship. Those closest to him affectionately knew him as “Wahoo Rob”, reflecting his passion for UVA sports.

However, Rob’s singular commitment was to his wife Ashley, daughter Eleanor and son Addison. His love for them was deep and inspiring, and evident to all who know the Smith family. Rob modeled the role of a husband and a father to perfection. He will be missed tremendously by his family and all who knew him well.

Rob was a long time member of St. George’s Church, Belle Meade Country Club, Farmington Country Club and the Buffalo River Ranch.

Rob is survived by his loving wife, Ashley Brown Smith; his daughter Eleanor Lambeth and son Robert Addison; his parents Pete and Judy Smith of Fredericksburg, VA; brother Renick (Mary) Smith, nieces Caroline and Maggie, and nephew Connor of Fredericksburg, VA; mother-in-law Betty Brown Sides of Charlotte, NC; and sister-in-law Cathy (Scott) Paterson, niece Louise and nephew Wills of Charleston, SC. He also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, and cousins who he loved dearly and who loved him in return.

A memorial service will be held at St. George’s Episcopal Church at 1:00pm on Thursday, March 29th. Visitation prior to service at 11:30am.

In memory of Rob, memorial donations may be made to St. George’s Episcopal Church, 4715 Harding Pike, Nashville, TN 37205 or The Virginia Athletic Foundation, P.O. Box 400833 Charlottesville, VA 22904.