Robert Frank Smith

Robert (Bob) Frank Smith was born on Mother’s Day, May 13, 1934, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and became a resident of Collierville at the age of seven. A graduate of Collierville High School, he excelled in athletics, served as captain of the football team, and earned the rank of Eagle Scout.

His college years included studies at Southwestern at Memphis (now Rhodes College) and graduation from Michigan State University, where he was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. In 1955, he married his high school sweetheart, Mary Jean Hall, and together they became the proud parents of 10 children.

Bob’s teaching career included chemistry and physics positions at Memphis University School, Lausanne Collegiate School, and the Hebrew Academy in Memphis. After teaching, he was in the school equipment business. The Smith family has always held a deep affection for Michigan, Bob’s birth state, spending many summers there enjoying the glacial lakes, the scenery, and time together.

Beyond his family, one of Bob’s great passions was his rose gardens, where he and his treasured gardener tended 1,200 rose bushes over the course of 20 years. The gardens were always made available for public enjoyment, including several years hosting a symphony orchestra to benefit the arts.

Beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Bob left a legacy that will endure for generations. He was preceded in death by his mother, Marjorie Carroll Smith; father, Ronald B. Smith; sister, Joyce Smith Horner; brothers, Harland Smith and Richard Smith; and son, Norval Shea Smith.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Mary Jean Hall Smith; his nine children, Steve, Scott, Shawn (Jennie), Julie (Bill), Robbie, Craig, Jeannie (Rob), Shannon (Marisa), and Sally (Scott); 21 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, November 18 at 2:00 p.m. at the Sanctuary on the Square in Collierville, Tennessee. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to La Limyè Ministries.