Robert David Smith

Robert David Smith, age 50, of Spring, Texas passed away on Sunday, October 27, 2024. Rob grew up in Southern Illinois, graduating from Freeburg High School – The Home of the Fighting Midgets. Of this, he was very proud. He was the oldest of four siblings, often taking advantage of this seniority and teasing or tricking the younger ones. This carried on throughout their adult lives. Rob was ornery, quick-witted, and always searching for a good belly laugh. Those he teased the most were closest to his heart.

Rob was proud to have served in the Army for four years and active reserves for two-and-a-half years. He was never deployed into combat, and this was a source of disappointment for him. Rob was not naïve about what that meant, but he believed in giving his all to any responsibility given to him. He wanted to instill this value into his children, directing them always to fulfill their commitments.

Rob received his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville in 2002 and his executive MBA from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, in 2014.

As a result of his education and work experience, Rob was honored to be selected as CEO of CT Innovations, a company that produces cable ladder and wire mesh products. Before this, Rob worked as an international sales leader, enjoying the privilege of mentoring several employees who have said they owe their careers to his guidance and his leadership. This international work was a labor of love, and it took him to Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, China, France, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, London, Scotland, South Korea, Mexico, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and Vatican City. Of the places he visited, Rome was his favorite; this trip ignited in him an enthusiasm for his faith he had searched for. Soon after, he became an active member and usher at St. Edward Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus.

In Rob’s mind, his work achievements paled in comparison to the pride he had in his 25-year marriage and his three beautiful children. He rarely spoke of himself, instead raving about his children’s successes – big or small. He was a hands-on father and was just as happy to color hair and paint nails as he was to spar, ride bikes, and coach baseball. In addition, Rob enjoyed fishing; golfing; cooking amazing food on the grill for friends and family alike; brushing and snuggling his sweet Gordon setter, Bonnie; and spending time outside in “beautiful Southeast Texas.” Rob always said, “I wasn’t born in Texas, but I got here as fast as I could.”

He loved watching, and often quoting, his favorite movies, such as Christmas Vacation, The Family Stone, The Big Lebowski, Smokie and the Bandit, and The Usual Suspects. If he ever said to you, “You have a freak flag; you just don’t fly it…” you might be one of his favorite people.

Attempting to adequately summarize Rob in a few paragraphs is a futile effort. But in a poor attempt, he was complex, well-educated, funny, silly, hard-working, playful, relentless, and uncompromisingly loyal. His mother always told him, “You’ll be well-rounded, if nothing else.” He followed her guidance well.

Rob was preceded in death by his grandfather, Alfred Smith; grandmother, Mary (McFadden) Smith; grandfather, Robert Benton Watkins; grandmother, Emma (Harris) Lewis; grandfather, George Owen; step-grandfather, Roy Lewis; father-in-law, George Christian, DDS; and brother-in-law, John Ritter, MD.

He leaves behind his wife, Emily Christian Smith whom he married in 1999 in Poplar Bluff, MO and celebrated 25-year silver anniversary this year; daughters, Kate Annabelle and Lillian Michelle; son, Robert Benton; mother, Karen Lynn (Watkins) Shrewsbury; step-father, Joe Shrewsbury; father, David Phillip Smith; step-mother, Carolyn Smith; sister, Courtney Michelle (Smith) Harper; brother-in-law, Matthew Harper and nephews Alexander David and Jacob Matthew; brother, Kyle Matthew Smith and sister-in-law, ReAnna and niece, Charlotte Avery; brother, Ryan Zachary Smith and sister-in-law, Jessica and nephews, Elias Michael and Benjamin Zachary and niece, Estelle Ann; mother-in-law; Marie Solis Christian; sister-in-law, Karlyle Christian Ritter and brother-in-law John Ryan, and nieces Jessie Toups and Abby Ritter; sister-in-law, Michelle Christian Matava, and brother-in-law Matthew, and niece Sarah and nephews Christian and Matthew.

A visitation for Robert will be held Monday, November 4, 2024 from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home & Cemetery, 18000 Interstate 45 S, The Woodlands, TX 77384. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, November 5, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at Saint Edward Catholic Church, 2601 Spring Stuebner Rd, Spring, TX 77389. A committal service will occur Tuesday, November 5, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM, 18000 Interstate 45 S, The Woodlands, TX 77384.

The family asks that any donations in his name be made to the Serenity Group of The Woodlands or to a veteran’s charity of your choosing.