Robert Lewis Smith

Robert L. Smith was born on July 21, 1952 in Gaffney, South carolina. He was the son of Robert F. Smith and the late Helen L. Smith. As a young man,Robert loved playing Basketball, Baseball and Football. He also loved to ride his bicycle and played on several softball teams. He was a loving father, husband, and friend and would go out of his way to help people.

Robert moved to Washington, D.C. in 1967 and as a teenager he graduated from Eastern High School in 1971. Right after High School Robert had his first son so being the man he was he joined the United States Navy in 1972 and served his country proudly. During his military career he was stationed in Charleston, South Carolina where he received the National Defense Medal, and after his honorable discharge he continued his service to the military for 25 years as a civil service member.

Robert moved to Jacksonville, FL in 1995 where he met his wife Janie Smith and continued his civil service duties until 2000 when he retired.

He loved his family and worked hard to provide a good life for his family. He had a deep passion for music especially jazz and would attend a jazz festival every year. His cars was his pride and joy and loved corvettes more than any other.

Robert L. Smith was diagnosed with cancer in June 2011 and on August 29, 2011 at 1:10 a.m. he lost his battle at Northeast Florida Community Hospice Center. He departed this life peacefully in the company of his beautiful wife Janie Smith who was at his side throughout his battle.

Robert leaves behind his loving wife, Janie Smith of Jacksonville, FL, father Robert F. Smith of Ahoskie, NC, sister Judith Taylor of Spartanburg, SC, two brothers; Steven Powell of Ft. Washington, MD and Carlton Powell of Alexandria, VA; three sons, Robert Smith, Jr. of Atlanta, GA, Sedrick Smith of Charleston, SC, Yannick Smith of Charleston, SC; two stepsons, Alfred Walker of Sumter, SC and Jonathan Walker of Jacksonville, FL; 12 grandchildren along with a host of relatives and friends.