Smith, Robert Lee

Robert Lee Smith, 84, passed away in his home in Christiansburg on Tuesday, July 11, 2023. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann Bailey Smith; his parents, Rev. Robert Thomas and Maude Hurt Smith; and brother-in-law, Richard Hamilton.

After graduating from Northumberland High School, Robert earned an Associate Degree in Forestry at Bluefield Junior College. He continued his education and graduated from North Carolina State University with a BS in forestry. Robert worked as a County Forester for three years in Stanley County, NC. He and his family moved back to VA where he worked as a surveyor for a number of years before he retired.

Robert loved to garden and fish. He went to the Eastern Shore for decades to meet with his childhood friend, Monte, for a chartered fishing trip in the Chesapeake Bay. His sons and several friends often went with him.

After moving back to VA, Robert was a member of North Fork Baptist Church in Ellett and attended Cambria Baptist Church. Robert became a Christian at an early age and always practiced his faith in the Lord.

Left to cherish his memories are his two sons and daughter-in-law, Robert Lacie ‘Bobby’ Smith and Rodney Bruce and Lesa Smith, both of Blacksburg; sister, Evelyn Smith Hamilton; nephews and nieces, Ben, John, Robert, Susan, Beth, and their spouses, all of Evergreen, VA; step-son, Lynwood Bailey; step-daughter, Sharon Herriges; step-granddaughters, Nikki Gibson; Sherri Davis; numerous step-grandchildren and cousins; as well as special friends, Jimmy and Jane, Tex and Joyce, Ruthie, and Carlene Walters Smith Woolwine.

Visitation will be Monday, July 17, 2023, from 6-8 p.m. at Horne Funeral Home. Graveside Services will be held on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at noon in Evergreen Cemetery, in Appomattox, VA.