Robert Andrew Smithson

Robert Andrew Smithson passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, with his devoted wife Judy by his side, just as she has been for 60+ years. Andy, as everyone knew him, was a charming Brit born in Southsea, Portsmouth England August 4th, 1939, to Group Captain John and Phyllis Smithson. During his youth in the U.K. Andy enjoyed playing tennis and served on the board of Directors as a junior member for the prestigious West Hants Tennis Club. He served his homeland as a Lieutenant in the Territorial Army Regiment 256 Duke of Connaught.

After finishing his formal education in the U.K., he joined John Lewis Corporation as the youngest buyer in the history of the company. This career path later provided the chance to make his much-desired move to the United States (via Canada) in 1962 where he went to work for Carson Pirie Scott department stores in Chicago during the Christmas Holidays. There, Andy met and became smitten with Judy (Kreis) who was already a buyer. And just as it happens in the Hallmark movies, Judy asked him "home for the holidays". Their relationship bloomed and in October of 1964, they married and in 1969 he proudly became an American citizen. In yet another fateful turn, CPS had a policy preventing married couples from both working for the company, so Judy smartly suggested Andy meet a gentleman she knew named Eli Coplan, founder of Regal Rugs, which proved to be genius, and launched his career at Regal.

Andy with a perfect fit for this upscale domestic rug manufacturer and his charismatic manor and endearing British accent made him a favorite with the company's employees and moreover, the customers. During his 28 years with Regal, Smithson was Vice President, Senior VP, Executive VP and ultimately President/CEO. Andy was a master at making those that worked for him feel appreciated, valued and part of a bigger, successful team. The loyalty he inspired was key to the organization's success and the company flourished under his leadership. In 2001, he retired to pursue his hobbies of golf, sports cars and hiking.

As a very young 62-year-old retiree, Smithson channeled his energies into his great desire to explore the outdoors hiking. His many adventures included the Appalachian Trail, 210 miles across England on the Wainwight Trail and the 95-mile Hadrian's Wall Path. He even walked an 80-mile Rail-To-Trails biking trail in the Black Hills called Deadwood for which he received a "letter of recognition" from the Governor.

When he wasn't off exploring, Andy and Judy loved spending time in their homes in Boca Raton, FL and Columbus, IN. Whenever he was sitting still, which was not often, he had his much-adored dog, Bentley, in his lap.

Andy was preceded in death by his parents John and Phyllis, and his sister, Valerie Cattle. He is survived by his wife Judy and brother Richard Smithson.

In keeping with Robert's wishes, all services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Turning Point Domestic Violence Service and Love Chapel in Columbus, IN, and Our Hospice of South Central Indiana.

Please leave a fond memory of Robert at www.Hathaway-Myers.com.

Hathaway-Myers Chapel on Pearl St. is serving the Smithson family.