My Great-Uncle Robert had such a sweet spirit. I loved to see him when he would come over to my grandparents house. His brother Ivory Smith affectionately known as “C.” It’s sad that my grandfather was left out of his obituary like he never existed.

When we first met Robert, we had no idea that his favorite saying was “Life is about relationships.” We can testify that he certainly knows how to develop relationships! Tom doesn’t often connect with people the way he did with Robert. Thursday night was something he looked  forward to so that he could sit and talk with Robert for just a few minutes before church,  for and a minute or two after church, and give hugs to his wonderful family!  They didn’t need long to build a bond.  Robert was a very loving, gentle, and godly man. 

We will miss him very very much, but it is heaven‘s gain!

The light that lived inside grandpa will never diminish. It will shine on through the lives of alllll the people who came from him and who came in contact with him. A 1 of 1 who can never be duplicated. He  serves as a benchmark and shining example for anyone who strives to live in the service of the Lord and spread his message throughout the land. The lives  we live are incredibly short, but we’ll all be rejoined in heaven in the blink of an eye.

Micah 6:8 - Act Justly, Love Mercy and Walk Humbly. How can you put into words the love and respect you have for one of the greatest men that you’ve ever known? My grandfather, not only talked the talk, he walked the walk. Always teaching and encouraging, he never met a stranger. His warm and gentle demeanor invited you closer but his words of wisdom and comfort echoed in your spirit. He always left you feeling better than when you came. I always told him that I loved him more and his only reply was “me more”. Although I miss, mourn and grieve your absence, I know you have been welcomed with open arms in the gates of Heaven into the vip section. You taught me to face adversity like a man and that being a man meant more than being born a male. That relationships meant more than anything in the life. And to trust and follow God in the good and bad times. As the words that he spoke blessed me in this life, I pray that I will be able to pass his love and teachings that helped me through my darkest hours. Go rest now grandpa. You deserve it. My first teacher. My first superhero. I love you through this lifetime and beyond forever. Tell Dad that I can’t wait to see you both again one day. Dad will be happy to see him on that side but I’m sure going to miss you on this side. I’m Super Good and Getting Better In Jesus’ name…Amen 🙏🏾

A memory I will cherish forever is getting to be married by Great Grandpa. What an honor to have our wedding officiated by a man who demonstrated a marriage fully surrendered to Christ for 77 years! I will never forget the poignant combination of pure love and joy that filled Great Grandpa’s eyes as I walked down the aisle. Growing up, Great Grandpa always told me how much he loved me, how beautiful I was, and how proud of me he was. On my wedding day I felt those sentiments to their fullest extents.

We were blessed to have him in our lives. One of my favorite memories of him was how he took the time and effort to make sure he got my last name right before our wedding, a small gesture that meant so much! His legacy will live on forever and the way he lead his life will always be a motivation for all of us!

What a legacy Robert leaves for all to follow. He and his family are and will continue to be an inspiration to me and so many others. 
“Well done, good and faithful servant”.

Dear Potter,
Seeing your smiling face every time I walked through that door always made my day. I’m going to miss the moments when you asked us to share a fun fact, checked in on my basketball season, or simply asked about life. Hearing about your walk with the Lord meant more to me than you could ever know, and you helped me grow tremendously in my own faith. I know you’re in a greater place now, but you will be deeply and forever missed.

To Smitty family,

He  will be missed. My memory of him will always be I funny  and joyful he was.

Warmly,
Irene Gandy

"Pater, how ya doing?" "Super good!" 
That simple exchange will always stay with me because it reflected the steady joy and faith he carried, no matter the circumstances. He was often quiet during family gatherings, sitting with one hand propped on his chin, watching intently and fully present. When he did speak, his words carried wisdom and conviction. I was deeply honored that he married my wife(Shana) and me, and I will always be grateful for that moment. His life reflected consistent faith, and we take comfort knowing that the same TRUTH he lived by now brings peace to our family during this time.

Pater will be greatly missed! I remember visiting him and Grandma Smith in Ohio and loving every minute of it. We would play “coffee, kiss,” Phase 10, and he would sing “boom boom diddle daddle whadda machoo!” while I played with a toy fishing game. He truly could connect with people of all ages, and he knew how to make everyone feel special. I’m so grateful for him and his legacy.

Something I always appreciated is how invested  Potter was in everyone’s lives. He really cared what you had to say no matter what age you were. He truly was on of the best listeners and advice givers I’ve ever met, and I’ll never forget that. Love you Potter!

It was incredibly rare how Grandpa used love and imagination to connect with us kids. Eepy-Weepy and Beepy. The coffee-and-a-kiss game. Trying to convince us the white rock he found on the golf course was valuable, or drawing tiny characters in our college notes. His “tell me something I don’t know” with the great-grandkids—also ingenious. He intuitively understood that kids don’t need grand gestures. Just attention, presence, and a little creativity. We were blessed to be loved so deeply.

Potter always wanted to know how I was doing and what I had been up to. He always listened to me and wanted to hear my opinion on things. He would call me the monopoly man and always ask if I had money for him because I won a 2 day monopoly game that he watched. I also played lots of catchphrase with him as he always wanted to get better than me. He impressed me and my brothers with his creative answers and funny guesses. 

I'm very thankful for all the time I got to spend with him.

Grandpa was such a blessing to me. He always made me feel like I was so special. He had a couple of nicknames for me, but the one he used the most was "Super Mom". I didn't like it at first because I knew I was not "super" and I couldn't understand where he got that idea from. It took me a while, but I finally realized that he was encouraging me. He saw something in me that I didn't see in myself and in doing so, he made me want to be better or maybe even "super". That was the God in him. God knows our potential and tries to reveal it to us through the Bible and through people like Grandpa. 

I'm also so blessed that I got to spend a little extra time with Grandpa in my role as "the babysitter". I didn't do much. I was just there in case he or Grandma needed anything. We'd chat while fixing lunch and sometimes I'd watch tv with them in their little apartment. In the beginning, he always 
felt like he was a bother or was pulling me away from something more important I could be doing. But I just kept assuring him that I was happy to be there, and after awhile he believed me. So he'd greet me with a smile and a hug and say "the babysitter's here"! I'll always cherish that time. So when I saw him in the hospital for the last time, I said "Hi Grandpa, the babysitter's here!" And he smiled. 

I love you Grandpa, and will miss you so much.

To my great grandfather, who I lovingly call "Pater":
I'm both deeply grieved and deeply excited that you've gained a new address in heaven, with a renewed body as a welcoming gift.
There are not enough words to encapsulate just how grateful l am to have had you in my life as a role model, a mentor, a teacher, an encourager, and a shining example of what God's favor does when you honor Him to the very end.

I've bragged about you and grandma smith to just about everyone I engage with, and that much just won't change.
You've taught me what a strong and beautiful marriage ought to look like. 77 years of marriage is nothing short of a miracle, let alone living to 96 years old. I know the Lord is pleased with your steadfastness and faith.

As much as it shattered me to watch you depart from us these past couple of weeks, I'm so blessed to have held your hand and told you how much I love you last Sunday.
You may not have been able to verbalize it, but your eyes told me you received the parting message.

I will always remember how you dubbed me as your "3G": your gorgeous great granddaughter. Those words will be etched into my soul for years to come with certainty. But most of all, I will forever be changed by your love of learning. It was always a blessing to come to grandma’s house and take notice to how much you read and watched videos to deepen your knowledge. I couldn’t fathom how someone who has lived through as much as you have could have a hunger for learning that remained insatiable. It amazes me just thinking about it.

You went home to the Lord the same day Papa was born, December 11th. I know you were eager to surprise him. Tell him I said hello, and say hi to Uncle Smitty for me too. I miss you already, but I know we'll cross paths in due time.
May you rest in power and peace, Pater.

It feels impossible to write something brief about a man who lived such a full and impactful life. Grandpa’s love for God shaped everything about him and from that deep faith flowed an extraordinary capacity to love others. He seemed to carry an endless reservoir of love…for his family, for friends and for countless others who were blessed to have met him. Whenever in his presence, you felt seen, cared for and deeply loved.

One of the most beautiful reflections of his faith was his marriage. For 77 years, he loved Grandma Smith with tenderness and joy. Their life together was a living testimony to covenant love and a relationship so rich and enduring that many of us hope and pray to reflect even a small part of it in our own marriages.

He embodied Christ’s love not through grand gestures, but through faithfulness, humility and a life lived in daily dependence on God’s grace.  Although we grieve, we do not grieve without hope. 1 Corinthians reminds us that “Christ has indeed been raised from the dead,” and so this is not the end of Grandpa’s story or ours. His life leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and resurrection hope that will continue to shape us all…and because of Christ’s resurrection, we look forward with confidence and joy to the day we will see him again, restored and whole, in the presence of our Lord.

Grandpa always said “Life is about relationships” and he lived that truth every day. His example has shaped me deeply in so many ways and I will always be grateful for his influence in my life.

Love and wisdom are what come to mind when I think of Robert L. Smith, known by me simply as Grandpa.  As the oldest grandchild, I remember the excitement of going to visit Grandpa and Grandma.  It may as well have been Christmas Day or a trip to Disney World.  I was especially excited when I found out that not only were we moving to Canton, but that for a period of time, we would be living with them...oh boy!  Little did I know that my 7th grade year would also be one of the most turbulent in my young life.  Almost daily I would come home crying after a barrage of insults and put downs, as I tried to navigate being the “new kid”.  After I would pour out my heart, he would look at me and say, “Grandpa thinks you’re beautiful”.  He had the wisdom to know that love (and encouragement) conquers all, and can be a lifeline to someone going through a storm.  Those words resonate with me to this day.

As I grew older, I appreciated even more the wisdom that came from his being both a scholar and doer of the word.  A powerful example that I’ve shared with my own children has to do with how he taught us to make decisions in life.  He used to say, you go by the “Three Ws” - The word, witnesses (godly counsel), and a world of circumstances (practicality).  When you weigh every decision through the lens of those 3 things, you often come to the best conclusion or decision.  

Grandpa, thank you for loving me and teaching me how to love the Lord and others with the love of Christ.  I will continue to pay it forward by loving and encouraging those who desire to be seen and loved.  This is not goodbye, but see you again one day.  I love you.  

Stacy (a.k.a. “Stacy Lacy”)

I have several wonderful memories of my Dad! He always challenged you to be your best, in both your walk with God and in life skills. When I came into this family, I struggled to boil water. One day Grandma asked me to start dinner, fried chicken no less. I did and the presentation was spot on, but when Grandpa took his first bite, the chicken was not done. How embarrassing! He didn’t yell, he didn’t fuss, just got up and walked away! Since that day, I have dedicated myself to being a good cook and his favorite dish of mine is fried chicken and fried corn. The way he hums when he was eating that would make my heart sing. Thank you Grandpa for the challenge of loving God AND loving to cook! You were a true servant and blessing to this orphaned child. Love you FOREVER!

He’d always challenge me by making me tell him something he didn’t know. He also kept my bible knowledge sharp.

My dad truly loved people. Once he set eyes on you, you were officially under his wing. He was going to encourage you, lift you up, pray for you, and help you become the person God created you to be.  Dad’s enduring mantra was, “Life is about relationships!!” A few years ago, my dad told me that because I was the middle child, he kept a particularly close eye on me growing up. He said my older sister got lots of attention as the first grandchild, my younger brother got special attention as the first boy and the baby… so he decided I needed a little extra attention to balance things out.No doubt that helps explain how I became such a daddy’s girl!My dad was my hero. I admired his work ethic, his gentleness, his compassion for people, his principled life—and most of all, his fierce and uncompromising love for God and His Word.Dad officiated or assisted in the marriages of each of my children and he had even started on the next generation—officiating the weddings of two of my grandchildren. I couldn’t believe he wanted to marry my granddaughters at 94!I am forever grateful for that! My husband felt very grateful that dad had taken time with him, over the years, to pour godly wisdom into his life.When the two of them collaborated to build an apartment onto our home rather than secure an apartment in a senior living facility, I was surprised!  So it was very fitting that Dad passed away on Charles’ birthday!  I figured he wanted to wish him a happy birthday in person in Heaven.I loved my dad in a way that words could never express.Dad, I know you and Charles will be at the front of the line celebrating me when I come to meet you after my assignment is complete on this side of Heaven.Until then, rest in peace my amazingly, wonderful dad!

Potter (or Pater) was such an amazing model of the Christian faith that was inspiration to all of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  We will miss him dearly.

Grandpa Smith,
Thank you for the life you lived and the love you gave so freely. You were a true man of God, a faithful pastor, and a gentle shepherd who loved everyone you met. Your kindness, patience, and quiet strength spoke louder than words ever could.

You were the heart of our family—the one we looked to for wisdom, comfort, and guidance. The way you loved Grandma was one of the most beautiful examples of love I have ever seen. Your devotion, grace, and forgiveness showed us what a God-centered marriage truly looks like. We always talked about what an amazing example you were as a husband and patriarch. 

I am so grateful for every lesson you taught, every prayer you prayed, and every moment you poured into our lives. You led with gentleness, mentored with humility, and loved without condition. You are loved so deeply by so many. 

Though my heart aches, I find peace knowing you have finished your race and are now resting in God’s presence.

“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord.”
— Matthew 25:21

Dearest Grandpa Smith, 

It is one of the greatest blessings and honors of my life to be your great-granddaughter and part of the extraordinary legacy you have created. I remember all of your kind smiles, strong hugs, and the smooth grace of your voice when you lead a prayer. I think often of you playing the saxophone for us and making us laugh with witty jokes. I think of the fortitude and passion of your faith, and how in everything you did and said, you walked the path of Christ. You could make anyone feel welcome, loved, and believed in. I remember the joy of having you and Grandma Smith at my graduation and how you prayed for guidance, strength, and success in all my endeavors. Your home was always full of light and love, as was every place you entered and every word you spoke. You treated everyone with a kindness and grace that I have rarely seen demonstrated with such consistency and enthusiasm. I am thankful for every birthday card, every prayer, every sweet smile, mischievous laugh, and every time you squeezed my hands in yours and told me you loved me. I am forever grateful for each moment we got to spend with you and I look forward to one day getting to hug you close again. Thank you for everything and I love you. 

Your great-granddaughter, 

Noelle

Pater always showed an interest for my hobbies and what I liked. He was always engaging and went out of his way to know more about me. The positive attitude grandpa always displayed when talking to me is something I’ll never forget. He used to always call me “piano-man” since I always enjoyed playing whenever I was over at his house. The way Pater showed love for me and all of my cousins is something that I’ve greatly admired and hope to emulate with my family.

Hello Grandpa!
Missing you already. Glad you are at peace now in your heavenly home. So glad that I got to see you one more time before you left. I will always remember your smile and you asking, "is that my girl? When are you going to come and see me again?" Here are two verses that I think of when I'm reminded of you:

12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
-Philippians 3: 12, 14

I will always miss and remember you, but I know you're in a better place now, smiling down on us. 😊💖

When I think about Grandpa I think about strength. He was a man of powerful words and loved the Lord. His love showed us who God is and how serving  Him is so important. Thank you Grandpa for everything we take comfort in knowing you are in the arms of the Father.  The Coopers love you and will miss you so much.

John, Dawn, Chase and Chloe

When I was young, I never really had a close relationship with my grandparents, as they were older and not local.  They all passed away when I was fairly young.  When Grandpa came into my life, he immediately accepted me.  We developed a bond and a friendship that was very special and meaningful for me.  I finally experienced what it was like to have a grandparent/grandchild relationship.  He imparted wisdom and lessons that will stay with me forever.  Heaven has welcomed in a force!  So look out!

Love and miss you, Grandpa.  Can’t wait to see you again on the other side!

Scott Hayes

When I think of my Dad, I think about love. Not just human love, but agape love—the deep, unconditional love that comes from God. My father didn’t just talk about the Lord; he truly walked the talk. He lived his life according to the Word, and two scriptures especially guided him: Micah 6:8, calling us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God, and the image of the righteous man in Psalm 1.
He shared these principles with all of us as well as everyone he met.  He had a special place in his heart for men and always encouraged them to strive to live after God’s own heart—to be men with the courage of Joshua, the wisdom of Solomon, and the heart of David. In doing so, he became a pastor not just to his own congregation but to the entire city of Canton, Ohio. And that ministry didn’t stop there—it spread to all of you here in Raleigh, North Carolina, and everywhere else he went. He was always teaching and preaching the love of God, caring for the poor, praying over the sick, and shepherding everyone he met.
He never stopped learning either. My dad was constantly in a Bible study or a men’s fellowship, like the one at Celebration Church, or diving deep into scripture with Dr. Jane in our bible study, where he loved to take us all down those rabbit holes to dig deeper and apply God’s Word to our lives. He was in church every Thursday evening, and people got to know him so well that if we were ever absent, folks would start calling to check on us.
If ever there was a man who walked this earth and reflected what Jesus must have been like, it was my Dad. He was truly the closest image of Jesus’ love that I have ever known, and I am so BLESSED and privileged to have been able to call him “My Dad”.
Dad, you showed me what it means to love deeply and live faithfully. I miss you already, but I’m rejoicing because I know you’re home with Jesus.
Your loving daughter, Steph

What a great servant of  GOD, Robert Lee Smith.  It actually warms my heart to know that he lived such a good and wonderful and lengthy life.  Pastor Walt and I spent many hours together with him and his excellent wife here in Canton, even in their lovely home.  I will always remember his rich gentle spirit, his love of family. And particularly his teaching of the book of Romans.  Very Powerful. I thank the LORD for giving us  his amazing life that blessed  us and so many!

Dear Ms Lillie, Sharon, Stephanie and family,
We are so sorry for your loss.  Pastor Robert  touched so many people with his gentle spirit and deep love for Jesus, his beautiful wife Ms Lillie, his family, and others. It was an honor to know Pastor Robert.  He and Ms Lillie were always friendly, kind, and smiling, happy to hug anyone on their way in and out of church.  I always felt their love for God and people.  You all are an exemplary family of faith, love and service.

We pray that the Lord will strengthen and comfort you all in your time of grief and that your fond memories will bring you joy.

Much love,
John and Michelle Wright

Ms Lillie, Sharon, Stephanie and Family - I’m so sorry for loss of your precious husband, father and grandfather.  Pastor Robert was a humble and kind man whose words of encouragement touched so many hearts, including mine. His life and faith impacted me in countless ways, and I am deeply grateful for the legacy he leaves behind. Whenever I think about him, I just smile because he always demonstrated Christ's love to me. He will be dearly missed.

"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" 

Galatians 2:20 is the testimony of God's faithful servant, Mr. Robert Smith, who allowed the love of God within him to touched me and so many lives in Jesus Christ our Lord!

It was not only by his words but his faithful walk in the power and strength in the Spirit of Christ that led me and ultimately others in my family to faith and eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord! 

To Mother Smith, Stephanie, Sharon and family my heartfelt love in your time of both sadness and joy knowing as Mr. Smith knew and lovingly share with others, his Redeemer liveth in Jesus Christ our Lord!

Mr. Smith is forever " Super good"!

Bruce Allison 
❤️🙏🏼❤️

My condolences to the Smith family.  Uncle Robert was a loving and caring individual. His legacy will live on in the lives that he touched. 

Love you, Niecie

OBITUARY

Robert Lee Smith Sr.

April 19, 1929 – December 11, 2025

Mitchell Funeral Home at Raleigh Memorial Park

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