Robert Lee Smith

Robert Lee Smith was born on December 4, 1940 to the union of Edward and Aldora Ingram Smith in Little Rock, Arkansas. He moved to Peoria, Illinois with his family while still a young child and attended Peoria public schools.

Robert enlisted into the United States Army at the age of 17 on May 14, 1958. He served his country for six years and was honorably discharged on April 10, 1964. Robert was owner and operator of Smith Sewer and excavating for 37 years. A family owned business with his father in which he took much pride.

At an early age, he developed a lifelong love for fishing, and would love to go anytime.

In 1984, Robert married the love of his life and wife of 43 years, Pearl.

Robert Lee Smith departed this life on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Aldora Smith, and one grandchild. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife; Pearl Smith of Peoria, Illinois, brother Edward Smith (Anita) of Indianapolis, Indiana, and sister Dorothy Mottley of Peoria, Illinois. Children; Kimberly Sommer (Richard) of Peoria, Illinois, Karen Gallien of McKinney, Texas, Robert Keith Smith (Rhonda) of Portland, Oregon and Kevin Hill (Tammy) of Peoria, Illinois. Nieces; Pam, Karen, of Kalamazoo, Michigan and Dana Smith of Fishers, Indiana. Nephew; Tim Smith of Cincinnati , Ohio. Robert also leaves to cherish grandchildren; O’brian, Kyle, Alysandra, and Aeryn all of Peoria, Illinois. Shardai, Robert Keith Jr., and Rianna of Portland, Oregon, Kameron Hill (Desirae) of Irving, Texas along with great grandchildren; O’Brian Jr., and Christopher of Peoria, Illinois, Zayden and Elijah of Portland, Oregon and Goddaughter Tia Paylor (Caydence) of Palos Hills, Illinois and special brothers and friends James Alsobrook of Chattanooga, Tennessee and Charles Hines Sr. of Peoria, Illinois and a beloved aunt Mabel Rhay of Fresno, California along with a host of friends and relatives.

A visitation for Robert will be held Friday, August 15, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel, 2021 N University Street, Peoria, Illinois 61604, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM.

Robert will be laid to rest in Parkview Cemetery, 2001 N University Street, Peoria, Illinois 61604.