Robert C. Smith

EASTPORT- Robert Carl Smith, 69, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on May 20th, 2023 as he watched the sunrise over the Passamaquoddy Bay in Downeast Maine. Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, he was a southern soul with a Mainer heart of gold. Robert loved two things in this world: his family and his country. He grew up in a joyous and proud family of ten before joining the Air Force at age 18, where he met the love of his life and best friend, Penny. Penny and Robert were married February 22, 1975 and left the Air Force to return to Maine with their only son to start a life.

Robert was a techie before being a techie was cool. He mainly worked in banking and even trained in Texas to be one of the few people in the state that could service the brand new ATM’s. The one thing about Robert that was always evident was his work ethic. Robert’s career path parted ways with the banking industry while working in Greenville. Robert didn’t hesitate to reinvent himself and embark on a stint of driving delivery routes for bread and dry cleaning. During this time, Robert was leaving for work at 4 in the morning in order to make the hour plus commute before driving over an hour home. Robert always set himself apart as being a man that would go further, try harder and never give up. He was known for his loyalty and willingness to do anything that needed to be done if it was for his family. Robert eventually joined the US Army after spending years in various reserve roles.

In total, Robert proudly served his country for 31 years. Master Sergeant Smith retired honorably from the Army in 2015 in order to spend more time with his family. Robert deployed twice to hostile zones, being decorated numerous times. Most notably, he was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Combat Action Badge, and Iraqi Campaign Medal with three campaign stars. In his retirement, Robert could be found manning the counter at ABC Antiques and Collectibles which he opened with his wife and sister in laws. His passion for antiques and ease of making friends with anyone who walked through the door made owning a business more of a hobby than a job.

Robert was the type of man who did not have the word "no" in his vocabulary. He was the first one to offer a helping hand and never asked for a single thing in return. He was funny, kind, gentle, loving - and encompassed everything that a man should be. Robert lived for camping in the summer, antiques, riding around in his Porsche, traveling, being around his family, football Sundays, America, and time spent with his "darlin'," Penny. We will miss his mischievous grin, his bald-headed finger twiddling, his teasing, his obscure sense of humor, his supportiveness, but most of all his presence. Although, one thing we know for sure, Robert would not want us to dwell on his passing. Robert would want us to celebrate the life he lived, to share memories, to heal relationships, to smile more, and to live our lives fuller…in his honor.

Robert is predeceased by both his mother and father, Betty J. Holden and James V. Smith as well as three siblings; James Smith, Betty-Jo Jones, and Cherry Smith. He leaves behind his loving wife of 48 years and best friend, Penny Smith. His son: Eric Smith and wife Tracy Smith; Daughter Gained: Jessica Kyes and husband Daxton; Sisters: Vivian "seagull" Green, Katherine McDonald and husband Gary; Brothers: Ricky Smith and wife Lauren, and Daniel Smith; Sisters In Law: Karen Ayotte and husband John, Cindy Chase, Trudi Chase and wife Victoria; Brother In Law: Bill Chase and wife MaryAnne. Grandchildren: Emily Zack and husband Cody Zack, Tyler Smith, Tricia Smith, Samantha Smith, Sebastian Smith, Bailey Smith, Lorelei Kyes, Jayden Kyes, Arianna Kyes; Great Grandson: Kai Zack; numerous nieces and nephews and his beloved fur baby: Chase. This is only an abbreviated list as every person Robert came across considered him family. There would not be enough space on the page to list all the people that thought of him as a brother, father, uncle, grampy, funcle (fun uncle), or even buddy. There are not enough words to describe Robert's character, so we will leave it at this - if there were more Robert's in the world... the world would be a better place.

The family respectfully asks that donations be made in lieu of flowers in order to cover burial expenses and to assist Penny financially during this difficult time. Cash or check donations can be sent to

Penny Smith

124 North Temple St

Lewiston, ME 04240

The extended family is also holding the Robert Smith Memorial Estate Sale June 9-11. Items are available beginning June 4 by appointment only. Proceeds from this sale will also go to the family. This is going to be a huge event, don’t miss it.

Services and memorials will be as follows:

Wednesday June 14

Memorial gathering to celebrate Robert’s life and get his favorite people together in one place. There will be two gatherings at the funeral home.

2pm-4pm

7pm-9pm

Thursday June 15

Memorial service at the funeral home

12pm

Grave side service at Mt Vernon Veterans Cemetery

2pm

Pinette, Dillingham, and Lynch

Funeral Home and Cremation Services