I am A CHILD OF GOD.
I am LOVED.
You are SOMEBODY.
You are A CHILD OF GOD.
You are LOVED.”
-Bobby Smith (borrowed from Reverend Jessie Jackson and the Civil Rights Movement).
Robert Cowan Smith, 78, of Knoxville, Tennessee, passed away on April 11, 2024. While his health was declining over the past several years, his death was heartbreaking for the many who knew, loved, and respected him in life. Born in South Knoxville, Bobby created friends and relationships that lasted throughout his life. He was in the Pride of the Southland Marching Band at the University of Tennessee where he (much to his own surprise) did pretty well in his studies – at least well enough to secure himself a spot at Duke University Seminary.
Upon graduation from Duke with his master’s degree in divinity, he was ordained and became a United Methodist minister in the Holston Conference. In that role, he married countless couples, officiated numerous funerals, and helped in the spiritual growth of individuals throughout Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. It is also in this role that he became one of the most popular “Ministers in Residence” at Camp Wesley Woods. Several reading this may remember that he was the Santa Claus during Christmas in July who, while attempting to repel from Tipton Lodge to surprise the campers, ended up crashing through the screened window and causing a bit of chaos (and plenty of laughs).
After leaving the church, Bobby found himself in a different kind of service – caring for his beloved mother, Mary. He also found employment as a Food Stamp Officer for the Department of Human Services (DHS). After his tenure at DHS, he went back to school (University of Tennessee) to obtain his teaching certificate. He retired as a high school teacher at Union County High School: a community he fully embraced. He became the prom organizer, a football coach, and a respected teacher and coworker.
Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, William and Mary, and his brothers Benny and Bill. He leaves behind his two children, Valerie Collins and Chris Smith, along with their spouses, James Collins and Marsha Smith and his big sister Virginia McKee and her husband Jim. He is also survived by his two grandchildren, Townsend and Avery (who both loved “G-Pops” very much), and countless others who were lucky enough to cross his path.
A celebration of Bobby's life will be held on Sunday, April 21, 2024, 2pm at Berry Highland Memorial Funeral Home.
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